Advertise on podcast: Diseases & Diagnoses

Multiplex assays are a really useful diagnostic tool for testing/targeting multiple pathogens at one time.  Clients obtain results for multiple targets at a reduced cost than if they were testing for each target individually. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Michael Piccione discuss the value of multiplex assays with Dr. Megan Schroeder, assistant section head for molecular diagnostics.

Biosecurity is an essential part of any animal operation. TVMDL offers a panel aimed at screening for several significant diseases in sheep and goats. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez, Dr. Michael Piccione, and Serology Section Head Dr. Suzanna Storms discuss the tests included in the panel and how producers can leverage that information into making herd health decisions.

Although mycoplasma and ureaplasma are closely related, the latter pathogen holds some key differences that could be pinpointed through diagnostic testing. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson chat with Dr. Tegner Jacobson, microbiology section head in Canyon, to discuss the two pathogens, how they're different, and how diagnostic testing can assist practitioners in determining a specific diagnosis.

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.