NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

05/28/2026

We’re excited to welcome Emily Webb, M.S., to the Serology & Virology team at the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory!

Emily brings years of laboratory and research experience spanning microbiology, molecular biology, clinical research, and diagnostic testing. Her background includes work with qPCR, MALDI-TOF MS, and research, along with several scientific publications and presentations. Emily has been at the VDL for a few months now, and we greatly value the knowledge, friendliness and motivation she brings to the lab.

Please join us in welcoming Emily to the VDL team!

05/26/2026

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory will soon require all f***l samples to be submitted in sterile, leak-proof containers with screw caps. This aligns with best practices and helps prevent cross-contamination, which can lead to repeated testing and misleading results. Using these containers will also streamline laboratory processing and analysis, allowing for quicker and more reliable results.

For more information, head over to our website: https://buff.ly/tqpXimy

05/25/2026

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is closed today, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day.

We return to regular business hours tomorrow. Please make use of our secure sample drop-off, if needed during lab closure.

05/20/2026

VDL Mystery Case #6 Answer
The culprit was: Malassezia pachydermatis
This yeast is part of the normal skin flora in dogs, but overgrowth can occur when the skin barrier becomes disrupted.
Common predisposing factors include:
• Allergies (especially atopic dermatitis)
• Increased moisture
• Skin folds
• Chronic inflammation
• Recurrent ear disease
Cytology often reveals:
• Characteristic “peanut” or “footprint”-shaped budding yeast
• Large numbers of organisms mixed with inflammatory debris
Dogs affected by Malassezia overgrowth may show:
• Pruritus (itching)
• Greasy or flaky skin
• Erythema
• Odor
• Chronic otitis externa
• Paw licking

Image credit: ID #: 213 Description: Scanning Electron Micrograph of Malassezia furfur Content Providers(s): Robert Simmons/Janice Carr Photo Credit: CDC/Janice Carr

05/19/2026

VDL Case Challenge #6
A 7-year-old spaniel presented with:
• Persistent head shaking
• Dark, waxy debris in both ears
• Strong odor noted by the owner
• Excessive grooming and scratching around the face and neck
• Mild erythema of the ear canals
The dog lives indoors and recently completed treatment for seasonal allergies.
A cytology sample from the ear swab revealed numerous budding yeast organisms.

What organism do you suspect? Drop your guesses below, and check back tomorrow for the answer!

05/18/2026

05/13/2026

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is hosting an expanded set of bee hives this summer!

Did you know?! According to the USDA, North Dakota is the #1 producer of honey in the United States! Millions of bees spend their summers here helping pollinate crops and native plants that support agriculture, ecosystems, and food production.

Honey bees may be small, but they play a huge role in animal, environmental, and public health. By hosting a hive, we’re celebrating pollinator health and the important connection between agriculture and science.

Stay tuned this summer for bee updates!

05/09/2026

The NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is back to performing Brucella ovis ELISA testing in house.

The required sample is a minimum of 1 mL of serum that has been removed from the clot, prior to shipping. For more information, see our website: https://buff.ly/VS3Whxl

05/08/2026

Case Challenge #5 Answer
Diagnosis: Bovine Rotavirus
Rotavirus infects and destroys the cells lining the small intestine (villi), meaning the calf can’t absorb nutrients or fluids properly, resulting in watery diarrhea and dehydration. Most common in calves under 2 weeks, especially with poor colostrum intake.

How the diagnostic lab confirms it:
-PCR testing for viral RNA

Best samples to submit:
-Fresh f***s (early in disease)
-Intestine (necropsy)
*Keep chilled (avoid freezing unless delayed)

Note: Often part of a multi-pathogen diarrhea complex—co-infections are common.
For more Information: https://buff.ly/scidDyP