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 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.

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 Campbell chat with Serology Section Head Dr. Melanie Landis to cover the basics of canine brucellosis testing and how clients can ensure their travel plans take off smoothly.

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. Narayan Paul to discuss the bacteria and how producers can submit samples for testing.

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 to cover how TVMDL's diverse experience in parasite identification can assist small animal practitioners.

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 infectious causes of diarrhea.

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 Chemistry Section Dr. Travis Mays.

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 by the American Heartworm Association.