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.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. These spiral-shaped bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments and are shed in the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis also has zoonotic potential and should be considered a public health concern. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez sits down with Dr. Cathy Campbell and Serology Laboratory Supervisor Brittany Cline to discuss the disease, testing options, and why practitioners and animal owners should be aware of this persistent pathogen.

Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) is a viral disease caused by a group of gammaherpesviruses. It primarily affects cattle, deer, bison, and other ruminants, often with severe outcomes. Adding to the severity, many of the carrier species don't show symptoms of the disease. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Terry Hensley discuss testing options and disease details with Dr. Gabe Gomez, assistant agency director for pathology.

Coxiella burnetti, otherwise known as Q fever, is a highly contagious zoonotic concern for both animals and humans. Testing is important, but its crucial sample collection, shipping, and testing be performed with the bacterium's risks in mind. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez chats with Molecular Diagnostics Assistant Section Head Dr. Megan Schroeder and Assistant Agency Director Dr. Terry Hensley to cover testing considerations and best practices.

Testing for toxoplamosis can be puzzling. Often, the parasite that causes toxoplamosis, toxoplasma gondii, is associated with felines, however, all warm blooded animals are susceptible to infection. TVMDL offers serology and molecular testing options, each of which are useful depending on the case circumstances. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez chats with Dr. Cathy Campbell and serology technician Elexus Hargis to discuss testing options and details of the disease.

Cytology testing can offer immediate information that can be used to make quick decisions. However, as with all tools, it's how it's used that makes all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell chat with TVMDL's assistant agency director for clinical pathology, Dr. Julie Piccione, to discuss how practitioners can get the most value from their cytology submissions.

Strangles is a highly infectious bacterial disease in horses. Due to its ability to spread quickly, early detection is key. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez sits down with TVMDL's newest veterinary diagnostician, Dr. Semira Mancill, and one of TVMDL's scientists in the research and development section, Dr. Ellen Ruth Alexander Morris, to talk testing options.

Necropsies can serve as valuable tools in the overall diagnostic process. However, to get the most out information out of necropsy examinations, it's critical the correct samples are collected to ensure all primary and ancillary tests can be performed. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Alexis Thompson sit down with Dr. Katie Kleinhenz, Canyon's veterinary pathologist, the discuss the types of samples often collected and best practices clients should keep in mind for both field and lab necropsies.

From the protocols to the paperwork, exporting animals to other countries can be tedious. One of the more complex tasks of the process is ensuring animals meet the health requirements of their intended country. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Terry Hensley chat with Kalyn Green, assistant section head for serology, to discuss commonly requested export tests, regulations, and the best practices clients should keep in mind to ensure animals make a quick and health trip abroad.

Holiday pet boarding is just around the corner. As we get closer to this time of year, it's crucial pet owners and boarders be aware of the contagious nature of Canine Respiratory Disease. In this episode, Dr. Brandon Dominguez and Dr. Cathy Campbell speak with Dr. Megan Schroeder, molecular diagnostics assistant section head, to discuss the different pathogen that make up the disease complex and the testing options available.