Ovine 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.
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.
Ovine 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 |
|
| Fibrinogen (heat-precipitation) | FIB-SCH |
|
| Large Animal Hemogram examination for blood parasites included | LA CBC |
|
| Large Animal Chemistry Panel | LA P |
|
| (2) 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 supplies 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 (CBC), Large Animal examination for blood parasites included | LA CBC |
|
| Large Animal Chemistry | 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.
Ovine Abortion Fetal Tissue Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| (3) Aerobic Bacterial Culture Listeria included | AER |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus PCR | BVDPCR |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) SN, Type 1 | BVDSN |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) SN, Type 2 | BVDSN2 |
|
| (2) Campylobacter fetus (Vibrio) FA | CAMPYFA |
|
| Campylobacter jejuni Culture | CAMPYJ |
|
| Chlamydia PCR | CHPCR |
|
| Cache Valley Fever SN | CVFSN |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| (2) Leptospira PCR | LEPTPCR |
|
| Neospora IFA | NEO |
|
| Toxoplasma gondii MAT | TMAT |
|
| Toxoplasmosis FA | TOXFA |
|
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 Border Disease SN (OBDVSN) to heart blood (serum), peritoneal, pleural or pericardial fluid in sterile red top tube.
If indicated, add Virus Isolation (VI) on Fresh tissue: lung, placenta including cotyledons, abomasal contents, kidney, liver, heart, adrenal, skin.
Ovine Abortion Serology Panel + Selenium
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) SN, Type 1 | BVDSN |
|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) SN, Type 2 | BVDSN2 |
|
| Cache Valley SN | CVFSN |
|
| Chlamydophila CF | CHCF |
|
| Leptospira MAT, 5 standard serovars | LEPTO |
|
| Neospora IFA | NEO |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| Toxoplasma gondii MAT | TMAT |
|
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.
If history indicates may also want to consider Brucella ovis ELISA* which is performed on serum.
Ovine Diarrhea Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture, Clostridium perfringens Genotype PCR |
| |
| Fecal Floatation | FLOAT |
|
| Johne's Individual Culture | JCI (NY state residency) JCO (out-of-state residency) JCN (enrolled in NYSCHAP program) |
|
| Salmonella culture | SALM |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
Notes
Ship chilled, except for ParaPak® which should be kept at room temperature.
Johne's ELISA may be used to screen for Johne's Disease in sheep with diarrhea or weight loss, but should be used only when manure is not available for culture, as the Johne's ELISA is a less sensitive diagnostic test.
Turnaround time for Johne's culture is 12-16 weeks although positive samples may be shorter. In neonatal lambs, an Aerobic bacterial culture and a Rotavirus Latex Antigen Detection, Group A on feces should also be considered.
Ovine Neonatal Diarrhea Plan
Ante mortem
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture, Clostridium perfringens Genotype PCR |
| |
| Fecal Float (if >3 days of age) | FLOAT |
|
| Rotavirus Antigen Detection Grp A | RLA |
|
| Salmonella Culture | SALM |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
Necropsy
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
Anaerobic Bacterial Culture, Clostridium perfringens Genotype PCR |
| |
| Fecal Flotation (if >3 days of age) | FLOAT |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| Rotavirus Antigen Detection Grp A | RLA |
|
| Salmonella Culture | SALM |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
Notes
Ante mortem: Ship chilled except for slides which should be kept at room temperature.
Necropsy: Ship fresh tissue and swab chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.
Ovine Neurologic Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology | CSFE |
|
| Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Plaque Reduction SN | EEEPRSN |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| 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 |
|
| West Nile Virus Eastern Encephalitis Virus PCR Panel | WNVEEEPCRP |
|
| West Nile Virus Plaque Reduction SN | WNVPRSN |
|
Notes
Ship chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing. Please indicate if rabies testing is pending.
*Consider mosquito-borne virus testing based on compatible clinical signs, season, and geographic location.
**Note that EEE is not reliably detected in EDTA whole blood (CSF and brain tissue are preferred), however EEE PCR is warranted on EDTA whole blood if other preferred samples are not available.
See Tissues for Rabies Diagnosis for photos of brain samples needed for rabies testing.
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 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.
Ruminant Liver Panel
Plan Code: RUMI LIVER
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| A/G Ratio |
| |
| Albumin | ALB |
|
| Aspartate Aminotransferase | AST |
|
| Bilirubin Panel (total, direct, indirect) | BILIP |
|
| Creatine kinase | CK |
|
| Gamma Glutamyl Transferase | GGT |
|
| Globulin |
| |
| Glutamate Dehydrogenase, blood | GLDH |
|
| Sorbitol Dehydrogenase, blood | SDH |
|
| Total Protein with Albumin and Globulins |
| |
| Triglycerides | TRIG |
|
Notes
Ship chilled.
Ovine Respiratory (Acute) Diagnostic Plan
Ante-mortem
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| Anaerobic Bacterial Culture | ANAER |
|
| Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus PCR | BRS |
|
| Chlamydia PCR | CHPCR |
|
| Fecal Flotation | FLOAT |
|
| Fibrinogen (heat-precipitation) | FIB-SCH |
|
| Hemogram, Large Animal examination for blood parasites included | LA CBC |
|
| Mycoplasma Culture | MYCOPL |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| Small Ruminant Lentivirus cELISA | SRLEL |
|
| Tracheal Wash Cytology | TWE |
|
Necropsy
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER | To Diagnose Septicemia
|
| Anaerobic Bacterial Culture | ANAER |
|
| Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus PCR | BRS |
|
| Chlamydia PCR | CHPCR |
|
| Fecal Flotation | FLOAT |
|
| Histopathology | HISTO |
|
| Mycoplasma Culture | MYCOPL |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
Notes
Limited serology testing is available but paired acute and convalescent serum samples for BRSV SN may be warranted in acute disease episodes.
Ante mortem: Ship chilled except for slides which should be kept at room temperature.
Necropsy: Ship fresh tissue and swab chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.
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.
Ovine Chronic Ill Thrift/Weight Loss Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) PCR | BVDPCR |
|
| Fecal Flotation | FLOAT |
|
| Fibrinogen (heat-precipitation) | FIB-SCH |
|
| Haemonchus Egg Test | HEGG |
|
| Hemogram (CBC), Large Animal examination for blood parasites included | LA CBC |
|
| Johne's Individual Culture | JCI (NY state residency) JCO (out-of-state residency) JCN (enrolled in NYSCHAP program) |
|
| Large Animal Chemistry | LA P |
|
| Ref: Caseous lymphadenitis | RCASE |
|
| Selenium, tissue | NCRJ |
|
| Selenium, whole blood | SEL |
|
| Small Ruminant Lentivirus cELISA | SRLEL |
|
| Vitamin E in serum | NDIK |
|
Johne's ELISA may be used to screen for Johne's Disease in sheep with diarrhea or weight loss, but should be used only when manure is not available for culture, as Johne's ELISA is a less sensitve diagnostic test.
Small Ruminant/Camelid Pinkeye Diagnostic Plan
| Tests Performed | Test Code | Samples Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic Bacterial Culture | AER |
|
| Chlamydia PCR | CHPCR |
|
| Mycoplasma Culture | MYCOPL |
|
Notes
Ship chilled.