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.