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.