Bovine Diagnostic Plans and Panels
The following diagnostic plans have been developed primarily as an educational tool to assist the veterinarian in designing a complete, although not exhaustive, diagnostic strategy. To encourage veterinarians to select only the tests that are deemed clinically appropriate in each situation, the price of the diagnostic plan is not discounted from the sum of the individual test costs.
For the test groupings labeled as panels, there may be a discounted price versus the costs of the individual tests. Diagnostic plans and panels can be requested by writing the complete name as the test request. If appropriate samples are included all tests will be performed.
Antimicrobial susceptibilities for culture isolates are available upon request at an additional charge.
Bovine Abortion Fetal Tissue Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| (3) Aerobic Bacterial Culture Listeria included | AER |
|
| Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (IBR) PCR | BHV1 |
|
| Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) PCR | BVDPCR |
|
| Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) SN, Type 1 | BVDSN |
|
| Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) SN, Type 2 | BVDSN2 |
|
| Campylobacter fetus (Vibrio) FA | CAMPYFA |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| (2) Leptospira PCR | LEPTPCR |
|
| Neospora IFA | NEO |
|
Notes
If full necropsy desired, see necropsy testing.
Ship fresh tissue chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.
If placentitis present, consider adding Coxiella burnetii PCR (COXPCR) to placenta; if not available use abomasal contents; if neither available use lung
If indicated, add Virus Isolation (VI) on Fresh tissue: lung, placenta including cotyledons, abomasal contents, kidney, liver, heart, adrenal, skin)
Bovine Abortion Serology Panel + Selenium
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Brucella Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test | BAPA |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) SN, Type 1 | BVDSN |
|
| Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) (BHV-1) SN OIE | IBRSNOIE |
|
| Leptospira MAT, 5 standard serovars | LEPTO |
|
| Neospora IFA | NEO |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
Notes
Ship chilled.
When acute samples are received, the serologic assays will be run at that time, and samples retained. If second, convalescent samples are later submitted, please note the accession number for the acute serology. Tests on both samples will be run in parallel and paired results should be interpreted. No fee will be applied to the second test performed on the acute sample at the time of the paired testing.
Bovine Chronic Ill Thrift / Weight Loss Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Anaplasmosis c-ELISA | ANAEL |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Antigen Capture ELISA (ACE) | BVDACE |
|
| Cholesterol | CHOL |
|
| Fecal Floatation | FLOAT |
|
| Fibrinogen (heat-precipitation) | FIB-SCH |
|
| Hemogram, Large Animal | LA CBC |
|
| Johne's AGID | JAGID |
|
| Johne's Fecal PCR | JPCRI (NY state residency) JPCRO (out-of-state residency) JPCRN (enrolled in NYSCHAP program) |
|
| Large Animal Chemistry | LA P |
|
| Peritoneal Fluid Cytology | PTFE |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| Triglycerides | TRIG |
|
| Vitamin E in serum | NDIK |
|
Notes
*If hypocholesterolemia and hypotriglyeridemia is suspected in Holstein calves, submit serum or plasma for Cholesterol and Triglycerides testing plus 20-30 hairs with roots for APOB gene testing.
Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Anaplasma marginale PCR, Cholesterol Deficiency APOB Gene and Mycoplasma PCR. These referral diagnostics must be sent directly to their respective diagnostic testing laboratory for out of state submissions and those cases that are not under NY state contract. Visit our referral testing web page for referral lab contact information. Please contact the AHDC Veterinary Support Services team with any questions (vetsupport@cornell.edu, 607.253.3900).
Bovine Diarrhea, Adult (Acute) Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Coronavirus PCR, Beta | BCOR |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) PCR | BVDPCR |
|
| Fecal Floatation | FLOAT |
|
| Johne's AGID | JAGID |
|
| Johne's Fecal PCR | JPCRI (NY state residency) JPCRO (out-of-state residency) JPCRN (enrolled in NYSCHAP program) |
|
| Salmonella culture | SALM |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
Notes
Salmonella culture can be put in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery. ParaPak® transport media is available.
Ship chilled, except for ParaPak® which should be kept at room temperature.
Bovine Diarrhea, Adult (Chronic) Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Antigen Capture ELISA (ACE) | BVDACE |
|
| Fecal Floatation | FLOAT |
|
| Johne's AGID | JAGID |
|
| Johne's Fecal PCR | JPCRI (NY state residency) JPCRO (out-of-state residency) JPCRN (enrolled in NYSCHAP program) |
|
| Salmonella culture | SALM |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
Notes
Ship chilled, expect for ParaPak®, which should be kept at room temperature.
Bovine Diarrhea, Calf (Acute) Diagnostic Plan
Ante mortem
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture, Escherichia coli Genotype Panel PCR (K99, F17A, F41, Sta and CNF)* |
| |
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture Clostridium perfringens Genotype PCR |
| |
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Antigen Capture ELISA (ACE) | BVDACE |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) PCR | BVDPCR |
|
| Coronavirus PCR, Beta | BCOR |
|
| Gram Stain | GRAM |
|
| Fecal Floatation If >3 days old | FLOAT |
|
| Rotavirus Antigen Detection Group A | RLA |
|
| Salmonella culture | SALM |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
Necropsy
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture, Escherichia coli Genotype Panel PCR (K99, F17A, F41, Sta and CNF)* |
| |
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture Clostridium perfringens Genotype PCR |
| |
| Bovine Coronavirus (BCV) FA | BCVFA |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Antigen Capture ELISA (ACE) | BVDACE |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) PCR | BVDPCR |
|
| Fecal Floatation If >3 days old | FLOAT |
|
| Gram Stain | GRAM |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| Rotavirus FA | ROTAFA |
|
| Salmonella culture | SALM |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
Notes
*Additional Escherichia coli genotyping offered at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center is included on the EAE, STX1, STX2 Panel (EAESTX).
May also consider Cryptosporidium ELISA on calves 3-30 days and Giardia ELISA on calves from 7 days to 6 months. Both of these are performed on fecal samples.
Also selenium on an EDTA whole blood sample or liver may be appropriate in some situations.
BBL™ Port-a-cul™ and ParaPak® transport media are available.
Ante mortem samples: Ship chilled and keep frozen samples frozen except for anaerobic transport systems and ParaPak®, which should be kept at room temperature.
Necropsy samples: Ship chilled and keep frozen samples frozen except for anaerobic transport systems and ParaPak®, which should be kept at room temperature. Protect fixed tissue from freezing.
To rule in/out acute BVD infection in a live calf, include EDTA whole blood for BVD PCR as the BVD Antigen Capture ELISA test on ear notch samples will only reliably detect BVD Persistently Infected animals. For post-mortem submissions, BVD FA on bowel tissue and BVD ACE on ear notch together will rule out acute and PI infection. Alternatively BVD PCR on fresh bowel can be added if ear notch has not been collected.
Bovine Metabolic Panel
Panel Code: MPT P
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Albumin | ALB |
|
| Aspartate Aminotransferase | AST |
|
| Beta-Hydroxybutyrate | BHBA |
|
| Non-Esterified Fatty Acid | NEFA |
|
| Urea Nitrogen | BUN |
|
Notes
For BHBA and NEFA testing on the herd level, it is recommended to sample 12 animals per herd from cows that are 3-14 days in milk.
Ship chilled. Serum can be frozen and placed in chest freezer that is not a frost-free freezer to minimize the freeze-thaw cycles.
Bovine Neurologic Diagnostic Plan
Please strongly consider RABIES testing at your state health department.
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology | CSFE |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| Large Animal Chemistry Panel | LA P |
|
| Lead (blood) | BDLEAD |
|
| Lead (tissue) | NCOX |
|
| Listeria Culture | LISTCUL |
|
| Mineral/Electrolytes Panel | MINLY P |
|
| Mineral Panel (Tissue) | MINP |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| Toxic Heavy Metal Panel | THMP |
|
Notes
May also want to consider Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology which requires CSF in EDTA tube (LTT) and (2) air dried slides of CSF.
Protect slides from formalin exposure. If salt toxicity is a possibility may want to consider mineral panel on fresh brain.
If whole head is submitted a rabies brain extraction fee will be applied. Please submit completed NYS rabies specimen history form and write out clear instructions on what additional diagnostic tests should be performed. Ship chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.
Please indicate if rabies testing is pending. See Tissues for Rabies Diagnosis for photos of brain samples needed for rabies testing.
Bovine Pinkeye Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic bacterial culture | AER |
|
| Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (IBR) PCR | BHV1 |
|
| Mycoplasma Culture | MYCOPL |
|
Notes
Ship swab chilled and slide at room temperature.
Bovine Reproduction Bacteriology Panel A (formerly "Reproductive Bacteriology Cultures, Panel 4")
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic bacterial culture | AER |
|
| Mycoplasma Culture | MYCOPL |
|
| Ureaplasma Culture | UREAPL |
|
Notes
Ship chilled. This panel is often combined with Bovine Reproduction Bacteriology Panel B.
Bovine Respiratory (Acute) Diagnostic Plan
TTW fluid is a superior sample for detection of significant bacterial pathogens causing lower airway disease.
Results of nasal or pharyngeal swab cultures must be interpreted with caution as many bacterial organisms may be present as normal commensals in the upper respiratory tract. It may be helpful to collect and bank a serum sample for possible acute and convalescent serology.
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| Aerobic Blood Culture | BLDAER |
|
| Anaerobic Bacterial Culture | ANAER |
|
| Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (IBR) PCR | BHV1 |
|
| Bovine parainfluenza type 3 virus PCR | PI3 |
|
| Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus PCR | BRS |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Ag Capture ELISA (ACE) | BVDACE |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) PCR | BVDPCR |
|
| Coronavirus PCR, Beta | BCOR |
|
| Fecal Float | FLOAT |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| Mycoplasma Culture | MYCOPL |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| Tracheal Wash Cytology | TWE |
|
Notes
If indicated, add Virus Isolation (VI) on Fresh tissue
If indicated, consider adding Selenium on liver.
Full set of formalin fixed tissues: Skin, skeletal muscle, any enlarged lymph node, thyroid glands, lung, heart, liver, spleen, adrenal, kidney, stomach/forestomach, intestine, pancreas, colon, brain, all lesions.
Ante mortem: Ship chilled except for slides which should be at room temperature.
Necropsy: Ship fresh tissue and swabs chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.
Calf Management Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial General ID | QGID |
|
| (8) Bulk Milk Aerobic Culture | BTA |
|
| (4) Quantitative Count (bedding, towel, filter) | BEDID1 |
|
| Osmolality | OSMO |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| (10) Total Protein, blood | TP |
|
Notes
May also want to consider selenium on an EDTA whole blood sample in some situations.
Ship chilled.
Coagulation Panel, Large Animal
Panel Code: COAGPL
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Fibrinogen | FIB |
|
| Prothrombin Time | PT |
|
| aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) | APTT |
|
Notes
Ship chilled.
Dermatology Diagnostic Plan
All skin biopsy submissions should be accompanied by a Dermatohistopathology Submission Form.
Deep lesion
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| Fungal Culture | FUNGCM |
|
| Fungal KOH Fluorescent Stain | FUNGKOH |
|
| Gram Stain | GRAM |
|
| Histopathology (biopsy) | HISTO |
|
Superficial lesion
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Fungal Culture | FUNGCM |
|
| Fungal KOH Fluorescent Stain | FUNGKOH |
|
| Gram Stain | GRAM |
|
| Histopathology (biopsy) | HISTO |
|
| Skin Scraping | SSE |
|
Notes
Deep lesion samples: Ship chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.
Superficial lesion samples: Ship at room temperature and protect from temperature extremes. Protect slides from formalin exposure.
Embryo Transfer Recipient Panel
Bovine Fever of Unknown Origin Diagnostic Plan
If case is chronic, virus isolation can be omitted if desired. If not previously performed a large animal chemistry panel may be warranted and serum (separated) or heparinized plasma would need to be submitted.
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| (3) Blood Culture, Aerobic | BLDAER |
|
| (3) Blood Culture, Anaerobic | BLDAN |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) Ag Capture ELISA (ACE) | BVDACE |
|
| Fibrinogen (heat-precipitation) | FIB-SCH |
|
| Hemogram, Large Animal examination for blood parasites included | LA CBC |
|
| Large Animal Chemistry Panel | LA P |
|
| Virus Isolation nasal, whole blood | VI |
|
Notes
Ship chilled except for blood culture bottles and slides which are shipped at room temperature.
See Blood Culture Technique for more information. To order blood culture bottles go to shipping services or call 607.253.3935.
It may be helpful to collect and bank a serum sample for possible acute and convalescent serology.
This diagnostic plan is designed to detect a broad spectrum of systemic bacterial, viral, and some blood parasite causes of acute fever of unknown origin, as well as certain inflammatory changes which may assist in determining the underlying problems. Viral causes of illness are best detected acutely and most are unlikely to be detected in a patient with a chronic fever of unknown origin. This plan is intended to be used as an adjunct to targeted, disease-specific testing appropriate to the species, clinical history and geographic location or conditions. See Small Animal Internal Medicine, 5th Edition, 2014, Nelson RW and Couto CG; Chapter 88: Fever of Unknown Origin, pages 1279-1282 for other ideas of testing.
Large Animal Basic Workup
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Fibrinogen (heat-precipitation) | FIB-SCH |
|
| Hemogram, Large Animal | LA CBC |
|
| Large Animal Chemistry Panel | LA P |
|
Notes
Ship chilled.
Large Animal Renal Panel
Plan Code: LARGE RENAL
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Albumin | ALB |
|
| Anion Gap |
| |
| Calcium | CA |
|
| Chloride | CL |
|
| Creatinine | CREAT |
|
| Phosphate (Phosphorus) | P |
|
| Potassium | K |
|
| Sodium | NA |
|
| Urea Nitrogen | BUN |
|
Notes
Ship chilled.
Ruminant Liver Panel
Plan Code: RUMI LIVER
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| A/G Ratio |
| |
| Aspartate Aminotransferase | AST |
|
| Beta-Hydroxybutyrate | BHBA |
|
| Creatine kinase | CK |
|
| Gamma Glutamyl Transferase | GGT |
|
| Glutamate Dehydrogenase, blood | GLDH |
|
| Non-Esterified Fatty Acid | NEFA |
|
| Sorbitol Dehydrogenase, blood | SDH |
|
| Total Protein with Albumin and Globulins |
|
Notes
Ship chilled.
Transition Cow Energy Panel
Panel Code: TRANS PANEL
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Beta-Hydroxybutyrate | BHBA |
|
| Non-Esterified Fatty Acid | NEFA |
|
Notes
For BHBA and NEFA testing on the herd level, it is recommended to sample 12 animals per herd from cows that are 3-14 days in milk.
If negative energy balance in prepartum cows is the primary concern you may want to consider sampling 12 prefresh animals (2-14 days precalving) and only performing NEFAs.
Ship chilled. Serum can be frozen and placed in chest freezer that is not a frost-free freezer to minimize the freeze-thaw cycles.
Transition Cow Management Diagnostic Plan (Transition Cow Energy Panel + Selenium + Vitamin E)
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Beta-Hydroxybutyrate | BHBA |
|
| Non-Esterified Fatty Acid | NEFA |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| Vitamin E in serum | NDIK |
|
Notes
For BHBA and NEFA testing on the herd level, it is recommended to sample 12 animals per herd from cows that are 3-14 days in milk.
If negative energy balance in prepartum cows is the primary concern you may want to consider sampling 12 prefresh animals (2-14 days precalving) and only performing NEFAs.
In some herd situations there may be value in considering testing on the herd level for subclinical hypocalcemia and this could be done by sampling 12 fresh animals (0-2 days) and performing calcium only.
Ship chilled.