Diseases & Diagnoses

For many, anthrax isn't outside the realm of normal. Those living within the geographic triangle connecting Uvalde, Ozona, and Eagle Pass or otherwise known as the "Anthrax Zone" are familiar with this disease as it's been endemic to the area for several years. On average, TVMDL detects one to two cases from this area each year. Though anthrax is serious zoonotic disease, producers and practitioners should not be weary if armed with the correct knowledge and precautions. In this episode, Assistant Agency Director for Diagnostic Services Dr. Terry Hensley discusses an overview of anthrax, it's historical prevalence, and how you can submit samples for anthrax testing while keeping your staff and our staff safe.*This episode was originally aired in July 2023, but still serves as a good reminder.*

Cache Valley virus (CVV) is a mosquito-borne virus that has as significant impact on sheep and wildlife. Despite it's impact, CVV does not garner the same attention as similar mosquito-borne viruses like Bluetongue and West Nile. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson discuss CVV, common clinical signs, and testing considerations with Assistant Agency Director for Microbiology Dr. Erika Schwarz.

Sample pooling can be a cost effective way to screen a large group of animals for a disease. However, it's important pooling is only used in certain circumstances to ensure results are reliable. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson chat with Assistant Agency Director for Microbiology Dr. Erika Schwarz to cover the pooling method and the instances where pooling is most effective.

Urine protein creatinine ratio (UPC) can be incredibly insightful. With a single urine sample, TVMDL can help clients determine if a pet is losing too much protein in their urine. This information can lead treatment decisions and get ahead of kidney disease. In this episode Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell discuss UPC testing and its value with Kellye Stillwell, technician in the College Station lab's clinical pathology section.

In addition to encompassing two poultry specific labs, TVMDL supports the poultry industries by managing two state programs focused on flock health. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez chats with Poultry Programs Administrator Sydney Rosario about the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) and the Texas Pullorum-Typhoid (PT) Program. They're joined by DeEtte Mills and Holly Hull of TVMDL's Gonzales lab to discuss the tests and services their lab provides commercial and backyard producers.

Most equine owners are aware of the dangers associated with piroplasmosis. Although it's mostly associated with transmission through ticks, most cases in the United States are caused by human-meditated spread. Practices such as reusing needles, syringes, IV sets, and other blood-contaminated instruments are the primary methods of transmission. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez, Dr. Semira Mancill, and Dr. Terry Hensley discuss clinical signs, or the lack thereof in some cases, testing options, and effective treatments.

Anaplasmosis is a disease transmitted by ticks. The causative agent is a bacterium, Anaplasma marginale that lives in an animal's red blood cells. It's crucial producers and practitioners be aware of anaplasmosis as clinical signs can mimic other diseases. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson discuss the disease, clinical signs, and testing considerations with Dr. Suzanna Storms, TVMDL's new serology section head.

Those in veterinary medicine have probably heard of next-generation sequencing (NGS), but what exactly is involved in this methodology? In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Carlos Rodriguez discuss NGS, it's value, and how it's applied at TVMDL with Assistant Section Head for Research and Development Dr. Ellen-Ruth Alexander-Morris. Using NGS technology, TVMDL has the ability to analyzes hundreds of data points at one time which lends toward a quicker, more accurate diagnosis for clients. This is an exciting episode that shines a light into the future of veterinary diagnostics.

Orf is a highly contagious virus. Sheep and goats are the species primarily affected, with young lambs and kids being more susceptible due to their underdeveloped immune systems. It's critical that if you suspect Orf in your flock or herd that critical steps are implemented to mitigate the spread. In this episode Dr. Brandon Dominguez discusses biosafety practices, testing options, and other essential factors with Dr. Michael Piccione and TVMDL's new serology section head, Dr. Suzanna Storms.

PCR testing is impressive. It's considered the go-to method for several cases when sensitive, timely results are needed. However, it's important samples are submitted appropriately and in the right circumstances in order to the get most out of results. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill discuss the science behind PCR testing and how to ensure results answer critical questions with Dr. Megan Schroeder, molecular diagnostics assistant section head.

Bovine abortions can lead to significant repercussions. From a herd health perspective, abortions may be indicative of an infectious pathogen. From a financial aspect, every aborted calf is hit to a producer's pocketbook. There are countless reasons why bovine abortions are feared by producers and just as many reasons as to the causes of abortions. Because of this, labs like TVMDL need multiple sample types so ensure we can perform a full slate of tests to try and narrow down the cause of abortions. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson discuss testing options and possible causes with TVMDL's pathologist in Canyon, Dr. Katie Kleinhenz.

Bone marrow aspirates can be incredibly enlightening. However the process is invasive, so it's important to know when a bone marrow aspirate is most appropriate for testing. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell discuss the whens, whys, and hows of collecting and testing bone marrow aspirates with TVMDL's newest clinical pathologist, Dr. Emily Zuber.

Mycoplasma spp. are the smallest free-living bacteria known to science. They are also unique in they lack a cell-wall which means typical antibiotics don't work. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson discuss mycoplasmas with Dr. Tegner Jacobson, microbiology section head in Canyon. They cover different types of mycoplasmas, testing options, and clinical signs that may lead to a mycoplasma diagnosis.

Biosecurity is an incredibly important factor in animal health. Diseases don't always carry obvious signs of infection and more often than that not, silently move through groups of animals. That's why it's critical biosecurity practices are implemented. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson chat with Sage Barraza, serology technician in Canyon, to discuss common biosecurity practices and some diagnostic testing options to get head of the spread.

Liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is a powerful methodology that is used for several tests at TVMDL, most notably, the Performance Animal Drug Screen. Knowing the stakes of a positive result, TVMDL works hard to ensure testing is performed accurately. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Michael Piccione chat with Analytical Chemistry Section Head Dr. Mike Henderson to discuss LC/MS testing and how it ensures safe and fair competition.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a well known virus in the horse community, mostly due to its highly infectious nature. Clinical signs vary. Some horses present with very obvious signs where other horses present with essentially none. Testing is often associated with the Coggins test. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill discuss the virus and testing options with Kalyn Green, assistant section head in serology.

Johne's Disease primarily affects ruminants, such as sheep, cattle, and goats. Depending on the species, clinical signs can vary, but often times the shedding can occur while animals still appear healthy. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson discuss sampling and testing considerations with Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Section Head Dr. Megan Schroeder.

In light of the EHV-1 outbreak, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill sat down with Assistant Agency Director for Microbiology Dr. Erika Schwarz to talk about sampling and testing options. This is a short episode packed full of timely and relevant information!

In large animals, reproductive failure or abortion has a multifactorial etiology. As such, there are several diagnostic routes ones one should consider. But, where do you start? In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill sit down with Madison Carroll, a technician in the College Station lab's clinical pathology section to discuss best practices and testing options that may assist in large animal reproduction.

Blackleg, also known as clostridial myositis, is a serious, often fatal disease that primarily affects cattle. It's caused by a spore-forming bacterium that is commonly found in soil and the gastrointestinal tracts of healthy animals and has deadly impacts, if not caught in time. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson visit with Dr. Tegner Jacobson, microbiology section head in Canyon, to discuss the disease and testing options that may be of interest to producers.

A dermatophyte is the more scientific term for skin fungus that requires keratin for growth and can cause infections of the hair, skin, and nails in large and small animals and in humans. Most commonly, this condition is known as ringworm, despite there being no worms involved. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell discuss testing options with the microbiology laboratory supervisor in College Station, Kelsey Bond.

Whether you're in or outside of veterinary medicine, you've likely heard of botulism. Botulism is a rare, but serious, disease caused by a bacteria. Timing is key to accurate diagnosis, but don't let speed trump safety precautions. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill chat with Kelsey Bond, microbiology laboratory supervisor, on the causes of botulism and the diagnostics available for clients.

Sorghum species, including Sudan grass and Johnson grass are considered cyanogenic plants, meaning they contain compounds that can release cyanide when the plant is damaged or stressed. It's crucial livestock owners stay vigilant during these conditions as cyanide toxicity can lead to sudden death. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson sit down with Julie Anna Prusak, a technician in the analytical chemistry section, to discuss the environmental conditions that can lead to cyanide toxicity, testing options in suspected cases, and what livestock producers can do to stay ahead of the risk.

Equine Rhinitis Viruses A and B can present like many other respiratory illnesses. Testing is the only way to rule these viruses out, but that process brings a new set of questions. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill discuss both viruses and TVMDL's testing options with the agency's assistant agency director for microbiology, Dr. Erika Schwarz.

Sample submission is arguably the most important step of the testing process. If specimens aren't submitted properly testing may be yield valuable results, if any. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Michael Piccione sit down with Dr. Ashley Arnold, client services section head, to discuss to the submission process and how clients can mitigate potential issues.

Biopsies are incredibly useful diagnostic tools. Small sections of tissue can offer a host of critical health information, however, it's important biopsies are collected and submitted properly to ensure they are useful. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with Dr. Randi Gold, one of TVMDL's pathologists, to cover tips and tricks for getting the most information out of bone biopsy submissions.

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is a fungal infection. The infection is acquired through inhalation of airborne arthrospores from disturbed soil. Once inhaled, the spores transform into spherules within the host's lungs, leading to a localized or disseminated infection. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell sit down with Kalyn Green, assistant section head for serology, to cover clinical signs, diagnostics, and result interpretation.

Texas summers offer the ideal ingredients for cyanobacteria algal blooms, otherwise known as blue-green algae. Despite the vibrant colors, these blooms can lead to devastating health effects in animals, if the toxins are ingested. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Michael Piccione sit down with Chase Gwinner, one of the analytical chemistry section's scientists charged with identifying blue-green algae for clients.

Rabies is an incredibly contagious and dangerous virus. Once clinical signs appear, the disease is almost always fatal. However, there are preventative strategies that can mitigate effects and improve outcomes. TVMDL doesn't test for rabies, but we can assist in sample collection. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill sit down with Lauren Roese, necropsy laboratory supervisor, to cover the disease, the importance and preventative vaccinations, and the testing procedure for suspect cases.

Respiratory diseases in cats can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Understanding the causative agents is essential because it not only guides diagnostic testing but also informs the treatment plan. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with Dr. Megan Schroeder, molecular diagnostics assistant section head, to discuss the causes of respiratory disease in cats and the TVMDL testing options practitioners may consider to get ahead of the spread.

Mastitis is often associated with dairy cattle, however, all lactating animals are susceptible to infection. It can present in a clinical or subclinical form with signs ranging from a noticeably inflammed udder to a simple increase in somatic cells in milk. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Terry Hensley sit down with Bacteriology Section Head Dr. Narayan Paul to discuss how infection can occur and present and TVMDL's testing options.

Pyoderma is essentially a bacterial skin infection, and it's one of the most common skin conditions seen in dogs. Pyoderma is typically caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in dogs, though other bacterial species can also be involved. The key symptoms include redness, pustules, crusting, hair loss, and, of course, a lot of itching. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez, Dr. Cathy Campbell, and TVMDL's newest veterinary diagnostician Dr. Michael Piccione cover some of the causes of pyoderma and testing options practitioners should consider.

It seems like almost everyone in veterinary medicine has a horror story regarding canine parvovirus – and rightfully so considering it's highly infectious nature. Early detection is key in mitigating it's effects, but how is the testing performed? In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell discuss the virus and TVMDL's testing options with Devin Burns, laboratory coordinator in the College Station lab's virology section.

Electrolytes and macrominerals are vital to several physiological processes and bodily functions. Oftentimes imbalances can lead to severe health complications in both pets and livestock. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Semira Mancill chat with Megan Cramer, one of the laboratory coordinators in the College Station lab's clinical pathology section, to discuss sample handling and testing that practitioners should consider when faced with potential imbalances.

Feline urinary disorders can be caused by a variety of physical and environmental factors. Whether it be an infection or a urinary stone causing a cat pain or discomfort, TVMDL likely has a test that can assist practitioners. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with Emma Jones, a clinical pathology technician in College Station, to discuss some of the more common urinary disorders in cats and the testing options at TVMDL.

Clostridial diseases are caused by bacteria in the Clostridium genus. These organisms are naturally present in the environment and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals. However, they can cause disease when they overgrow or release potent toxins, often triggered by trauma, tissue damage, or changes in the gut environment. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez chats with TVMDL Veterinary Diagnostician Dr. Cathy Campbell and Bacteriology Supervisor Kelsey Bond to discuss tests and timing that might assist practitioners.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. These spiral-shaped bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments and are shed in the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis also has zoonotic potential and should be considered a public health concern. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez sits down with Dr. Cathy Campbell and Serology Laboratory Supervisor Brittany Cline to discuss the disease, testing options, and why practitioners and animal owners should be aware of this persistent pathogen.

Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) is a viral disease caused by a group of gammaherpesviruses. It primarily affects cattle, deer, bison, and other ruminants, often with severe outcomes. Adding to the severity, many of the carrier species don't show symptoms of the disease. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Terry Hensley discuss testing options and disease details with Dr. Gabe Gomez, assistant agency director for pathology.

Coxiella burnetti, otherwise known as Q fever, is a highly contagious zoonotic concern for both animals and humans. Testing is important, but its crucial sample collection, shipping, and testing be performed with the bacterium's risks in mind. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez chats with Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Section Head Dr. Megan Schroeder and Assistant Agency Director Dr. Terry Hensley to cover testing considerations and best practices.

Testing for toxoplamosis can be puzzling. Often, the parasite that causes toxoplamosis, toxoplasma gondii, is associated with felines, however, all warm blooded animals are susceptible to infection. TVMDL offers serology and molecular testing options, each of which are useful depending on the case circumstances. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez chats with Dr. Cathy Campbell and serology technician Elexus Hargis to discuss testing options and details of the disease.

Cytology testing can offer immediate information that can be used to make quick decisions. However, as with all tools, it's how it's used that makes all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with TVMDL's assistant agency director for clinical pathology, Dr. Julie Piccione, to discuss how practitioners can get the most value from their cytology submissions.

Strangles is a highly infectious bacterial disease in horses. Due to its ability to spread quickly, early detection is key. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez sits down with TVMDL's newest veterinary diagnostician, Dr. Semira Mancill, and one of TVMDL's scientists in the research and development section, Dr. Ellen Ruth Alexander Morris, to talk testing options.

Necropsies can serve as valuable tools in the overall diagnostic process. However, to get the most out information out of necropsy examinations, it's critical the correct samples are collected to ensure all primary and ancillary tests can be performed. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson sit down with Dr. Katie Kleinhenz, Canyon's veterinary pathologist, the discuss the types of samples often collected and best practices clients should keep in mind for both field and lab necropsies.

From the protocols to the paperwork, exporting animals to other countries can be tedious. One of the more complex tasks of the process is ensuring animals meet the health requirements of their intended country. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Terry Hensley chat with Kalyn Green, assistant section head for serology, to discuss commonly requested export tests, regulations, and the best practices clients should keep in mind to ensure animals make a quick and health trip abroad.

Holiday pet boarding is just around the corner. As we get closer to this time of year, it's crucial pet owners and boarders be aware of the contagious nature of Canine Respiratory Disease. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell speak with Dr. Megan Schroeder, molecular diagnostics assistant section head, to discuss the different pathogen that make up the disease complex and the testing options available.

Nitrate poisoning is a common, yet sometimes overlooked threat in cattle. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson chat with Dr. Travis Mays, analytical chemistry section head, to discuss how nitrates affect animal health, the signs producers should look for, diagnostic testing options, and key preventative measures.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a critical tool in optimizing dosing for cats and dogs. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with Dr. Travis Mays to discuss the science behind TDM, including how it ensures efficacy while minimizing side effects, and why it's particularly crucial for pets with chronic conditions or those on long-term medication.

Over the past decade or so, recommendations for equine parasite control have been successful in mitigating the effects of large strongyles. However, a new class of parasites have started to rear their heads. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Terry Hensley sit down with Mindy Borst, assistant section head for clinical pathology, to discuss testing options and how practitioners can get the most practical diagnostic information to keep parasites at bay.

Chagas disease is caused by an infection of a protozoa called Trypanosoma cruzi. The protozoa is spread by triatomine insects, better known as "kissing bugs". In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with Carlos Rodriguez, epidemiology and informatics manager, about the disease, TVMDL's testing options, and some of the data behind serology tests.

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is a leading cause of economic losses in the cattle industry. The disease is considered a complex, as multiple viral and bacterial pathogens, environmental conditions, and the overall health and stress of cattle influence the infection. Among other methods, TVMDL utilizes PCR testing to assist practitioners and producers detect BRD. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson sit down with Aubrey Brasher, a molecular diagnostics technician at TVMDL Canyon, to discuss best practices for PCR testing.