Diseases & Diagnoses

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...

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 Dom...

Summer is filled with international travel. For those who choose to bring pets along for the ride, this means testing to meet import/export requirements. Most countries require a canine brucellosis test for entry. It's critical samples are submitted with ample time for testing to ensure pending results don't put a halt to a travel itinerary. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Cam...

Caseous lymphadenitis, otherwise known as "cheesy gland" is a bacteria mostly affecting small ruminants. Most often it's spread through tagging, shearing, or other skin injuries. The bacteria causes abscesses with thick, cheese-like pus in the skin, lymph nodes and the internal organs. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson sit down with Bacteriology Section Head Dr. Naraya...

Many clinics have the methods and expertise to detect common small animal parasites, such as heartworms. But, what about those random one offs you don't see regularly in clinic? That's where TVMDL's experience can be an extension to your clinic's parasite detection methods. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with Clinical Pathology Assistant Section Head Mindy Borst...

Many producers experience issues with pre-weaning calf diarrhea. Though common, it's important to determine the cause of diarrhea to ensure the calf stays healthy and hydrated. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson speak with Nina Velasquez, a bacteriology and serology technician at the Canyon laboratory, to cover the testing options TVMDL offers producers and some of the...

Oftentimes, the diseases and health issues TVMDL assists with are related to nutrition. Livestock can look like they are in good condition, but are actually deficient in important trace minerals that can affect their overall health and production. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson discuss the importance of trace minerals and TVMDL's testing options with Analytical...

Happy Heartworm Awareness Month! Heartworms are a relatively common issue among dogs, however cats are also a susceptible species. Timing is key to effective testing for heartworms in all species. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with Serology Section Head Dr. Melanie Landis on the testing options available at TVMDL and the benefit of following guidelines outlined...

In general, parasites are a nuisance for animal owners. However, for livestock, equine, and other hoof-stock owners the threat is broadly spread across a herd. Though difficult, managing the threat of parasites at a herd-level doesn't have to be tricky. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson sit down with Mindy Borst, TVMDL's in-house parasitology expert, to discuss...

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a protein hormone produced by sertoli cells and granulosa cells in the testes and ovaries, respectively. Therefore, AMH is diagnostically useful in characterizing spay/neuter status, ovarian remnant syndrome, and cryptorchidism. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell sit down with Dr. Malcolm Delovio to discuss AMH and the testing options avai...

For many Texas livestock exhibitors, January marks the beginning of "major show season". Texas is home to three major livestock shows and hundreds of county livestock shows. Many enlist the assistance of TVMDL to perform livestock drug testing services. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez visits with Analytical Chemistry Section Head Dr. Travis Mays to discuss the importance of drug t...

Canine Herpes Virus is a significant concern for newborn puppies less than 3 weeks of age, especially those from a female dog that has not been exposed to the herpes virus and encounters the virus during the last few weeks of her pregnancy. The virus/infection can trigger abortion or neonatal loss shortly after birth as they may be exposed to the virus and lack maternal antibody protection from th...

Trichomoniasis is a reportable disease in Texas that can cause a slate of herd reproductive issues. Bulls are the carriers of the causative protozoa and are not likely to show clinical signs of the disease. Oftentimes, open cows and multiple early and late term abortions are the signals that "trich" is present. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Assistant Agency Director for Diag...

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that is often difficult to detect. Though the virus can spread among other mammalian species, it is prominent in wild and domestic dog populations. TVMDL's newest veterinary diagnostician, Dr. Cathy Campbell discusses distemper, its clinical signs, and TVMDL's testing options – including a brand new test.

If an animal has a thyroid gland, it can fail. Hyperthyroidism and its counterpart, hypothyroidism, can greatly affect an animal's overall health and quality of life. Knowing the clinical signs and testing options to detect thyroid issues is critical amongst all species, but especially in cats and dogs. In this episode, Dr. Malcom Delovio, TVMDL's in-house endocrinologist, discusses what t...

Hemorrhagic disease (HD) is the collective term that describes two viruses: Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease virus (EHD) and bluetongue virus (BT). Both viruses are spread by insect vectors and pose significant health threats to the state's native and domestic deer populations. TVMDL offers several testing options that assist with deer import/export, vaccine development, and in the diagnosis of s...

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, produce...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is not a new threat to the poultry industry. The most recent outbreak started in late 2021. Since then, the disease has spread across the nation to every state except Hawaii. TVMDL plays a crucial role in protecting the state's poultry industry from HPAI through its involvement in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and the agency's multip...