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Equine 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.

Print Plans and Panels

ACTH and Insulin

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
ACTH BaselineACTHEQ
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample
Insulin BaselineINSEQ
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) or 
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

Ship chilled.

ACTH, Insulin and Leptin

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
ACTH BaselineACTHEQ
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample
Insulin BaselineINSEQ
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) or 
  • Serum (separated)
LeptinLEPTIN
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) or 
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

Ship chilled.

Coagulation Panel, Large Animal

Panel Code: COAGPL

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
FibrinogenFIB
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)
Prothrombin TimePT
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)
aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)APTT
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)

Notes

Ship chilled.

Dermatology Diagnostic Plan

All skin biopsy submissions should be accompanied by a Dermatohistopathology Submission Form.

Deep lesion

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic bacterial cultureAER
  • (2) fresh skin biopsies in plain red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline to keep moist (not wet)
  • +/- Swab from deep in tissue placed in aerobic transport media (Amies with charcoal)
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • (2) fresh skin biopsies in plain red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline to keep moist (not wet)
  • +/- Swab from deep in tissue placed in aerobic transport media (Amies with charcoal)
Fungal KOH Fluorescent StainFUNGKOH
  • Nails, skin scrapings or 10-12 hairs from border lesion
  • Fresh tissue or bodily fluids (systemic fungi/yeast)
  • Prepared slide
Gram StainGRAM
  • (2) fresh skin biopsies in plain red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline to keep moist (not wet)
Histopathology (biopsy)HISTO
  • Multiple formalin fixed skin biopsies.

Superficial lesion

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • (1) hair and skin scraping for fungal culture and gram stain sent in a sealable paper envelope
Fungal KOH Fluorescent Stain FUNGKOH
  • Nails, skin scrapings or 10-12 hairs from border lesion
  • Fresh tissue or bodily fluids (systemic fungi/yeast)
  • Prepared slide
Gram StainGRAM
  • (1) hair and skin scraping for fungal culture and gram stain sent in a sealable paper envelope
Histopathology (biopsy)HISTO
  • Multiple formalin fixed skin biopsies.
Skin ScrapingSSE
  • (1) skin scraping for ectoparasite identification in an escape proof, nonporous container

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.

DIC Panel, Large Animal

Panel Code: DICPL

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
AntithrombinAT3
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)
D-dimer QuantitativeDDIQ
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)
FibrinogenFIB
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)
Prothrombin TimePT
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)
aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)APTT
  • 2ml separated citrate plasma in plastic or siliconized glass tube (blue top tube and then separated and transferred)

Notes

Ship chilled.

Equine Abortion Fetal Tissue Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
(3) Aerobic Bacterial CultureAER
  • Submit 3 fresh tissue samples: placenta, lung, and stomach contents - labelled and individually bagged; for individual aerobic culture
Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) FAEVAFA
  • Fresh tissue: placenta, liver, lung, kidney - labelled and individually bagged
Equine Herpesvirus PCR PanelEHVPNL
  • Fresh tissue: lung (preferred), placenta - use only if lung not available 
HistopathologyHISTO
  • Formalin-fixed tissue: placenta, liver, lung, brain, adrenal, heart, thymus, small intestine, kidney, and fetal skin
(2) Leptospira PCRLEPTPCR
  • Submit 2 fresh tissue samples: placenta and fetal kidney preferred; stomach contents acceptable

Notes

Collect fetal heart blood, pleural fluid or abdominal fluid and place in red top tube for possible antibody serology testing.

If full necropsy desired, see Necropsy Testing.

Ship chilled and protect fixed tissue from freezing.

Placenta samples will be cultured as one of the 3 aerobic cultures and held for sufficient time to detect Nocardioform agents.

Consider adding: Virus Isolation Fresh tissue: placenta, liver, lung, brain, adrenal, heart, thymus, small intestine, and fetal skin - labelled and individually bagged

In abortions from Quarter Horses, Paints and Quarter Horse crosses, testing for glycogen branching enzyme disease should be added. Call for test information. There will be an additional fee for this testing.

*WNV testing recommended only during appropriate season: WNELPL: West Nile Virus (WNV) IgG/IgM Capture ELISA Combination. Serum from fetal heart blood. If not available, peritoneal, pleural, or pericardial fluid - in sterile red top tube. 
 

Equine Abortion Serology Panel + Selenium

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) SNEVASN
  • 1ml maternal serum (separated)
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (Rhinopneumonitis) SNEHV1SN
  • 1ml maternal serum (separated)
Equine Herpesvirus-4 (EHV-4) SNEHV4SN
  • 1ml maternal serum (separated)
Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) HAIEIVHAI
  • 1ml maternal serum (separated)
Leptospira MAT, 5 standard serovarsLEPTO
  • 1ml maternal serum (separated)
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • Maternal EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
  • Maternal heparin whole blood (lavender top tube)

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.

Equine Basic Workup

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces from animals 3 days or older
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • 1ml EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • 1ml serum

Notes

Ship chilled except for slides which should remain at room temperature.

Equine Chronic Ill Thrift/Weight Loss Plan

Certain myopathies may also present as chronic ill thrift or weight loss, please see Equine Myopathy Panel for further testing strategy

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
ACTH BaselineACTHEQ
  • 3ml EDTA plasma separated from cells and frozen within 4 hours
Insulin BaselineINSEQ
  • 3ml EDTA plasma separated from cells and frozen within 4 hours
ACTH Post TRHACTHPOSTTRH1
  • 3ml EDTA plasma separated from cells and frozen within 4 hours
ACTH Pre TRHACTHPRETRH
  • 3ml EDTA plasma separated from cells and frozen within 4 hours
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Virus c-ELISAEIAEL
  • 1ml serum
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) unstained, unfixed, air-dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Lawsonia intracellularis qPCRLAWPCR
  • Feces, ileum, or tonsillar tissue
Peritoneal Fluid CytologyPTFE
  • 1ml peritoneal fluid in EDTA (lavender top tube); red top tube if culture anticipated plus 2-3 unstained smears.
Sand Recovery AnalysisSAND
  • Feces (8-10 fecal balls)
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • 1ml serum or plasma
Thyroid Panel, EquineTHYPALLI
  • 2ml serum or plasma
Vitamin E in serumNDIK
  • 2ml serum

Notes

* Horses with EPM may present with asymmetrical muscle wasting or weakness – diagnostics to consider include Sarcocystis neurona EPM SAG 2,3,4 ELISA and Neospora hughesi ELISA. Both assays are referred to Equine Diagnostic Solutions.

* Cyathostomiasis (encysted small strongyle larval infection) may cause chronic ill thrift. In these cases the absence of strongyle eggs and larvae on fecal floatation does not rule out a diagnosis of cyathostomiasis.

* Lawsonia intracellularis, the causative agent of Equine Proliferative Enteropathy, effects horses in the weanling to yearling age range, from approximately 2 to 18 months of age. Rarely adult horses may be affected.

** For diagnosis of PPID if geriatric horses

*** Used to aid in the diagnosis of lymphoma

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Caseous lymphadenitis, Hay Analysis, Thymidine Kinase and Lawsonia intracellularis IPMA. 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).

Equine Complete Ophthalmic Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic bacterial cultureAER
  • Aqueous humour in sterile red top tube (0.2-2.0ml)
  • Conjunctival or corneal swab in Amies transport media
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • Conjunctival or corneal swab in Amies transport media
Leptospira MAT, 5 standard serovarsLEPTO
  • Serum (separated)
Leptospira PCRLEPTPCR
  • Aqueous humour in sterile red top tube (0.2-2.0ml)
Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) PCRLYMPCR
  • Aqueous humour in sterile red top tube (0.2-2.0ml)
Lyme Disease, Equine Multiplex AssayEQLM
  • Serum (separated)
Parasite IdentificationPID
  • Conjunctival biopsy (in plain red top tube with 0.5ml saline)

Notes

Ship chilled except for slides should be kept at room temperature.

Equine Cryptorchid Panel

Panel Code: CRYPL

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Estrone SulfateE1S
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or plasma
Testosterone baselineTE
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or plasma

Notes

Ship chilled.

Horses must be at least 3 years of age. If less than 3 years consider HCG or GnRH Response, Testosterone and see Large Animal Reproductive Tests for protocols.

Equine Diarrhea, Adult (Acute) Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed

Anaerobic Bacterial Culture

Clostridium perfringens Genotype PCR

ANAER

CPGPCR

  • Fecal swab in anaerobic transport media shipped at room temperature
  • Clostridium perfringens genotyping PCR to further identify which genes for which toxins are present
Clostridium difficile Toxins (A/B)CLDT
  • Feces refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Coronavirus PCR, BetaBCOR
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Fecal FlotationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Hemogram, Large Animal
Examination for blood parasites included
LA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Lawsonia intracellularis PCRLAWPCR
  • Feces (most common in 4-7 mo old foals but can occur in 3 mo to 13 mo old foals)
Potomac Horse Fever PCREHRR
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
  • Feces
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) IFAPHF
  • Serum (separated)
Salmonella cultureSALM
  • Fecal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)

Notes

* Consider referral testing for the Clostridium perfringens Type A netF pore-forming toxin in foals, available on fresh feces or colon tissue through the UC Davis Veterinary PCR Laboratory. https://pcrlab.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/veterinary-diagnostics/veterinary-submission-formsdiagnostic-tests-and-panels

Ship chilled (keep feces for toxin testing frozen) except for ParaPak®, Port-a-cul™ and slides which should be kept at room temperature.

Equine Diarrhea, Adult (Chronic) Diagnostic Plan

Clinical cases of Lawsonia intracellularis are more often documented in horses between 2-18 months of age and rarely in adults.

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Fecal FlotationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Lawsonia intracellularis PCRLAWPCR
  • Feces (most common in 4-7 mo old foals but can occur in 3 mo to 13 mo old foals)
Salmonella cultureSALM
  • Fecal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery
Sand Recovery AnalysisSAND
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container (8-10 fecal balls)
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)

Notes

Ship chilled except for ParaPak® and slides which should be kept at room temperature.

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Thymidine Kinase. 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).

Equine Diarrhea/Septicemia Foal Acute Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed

Anaerobic bacterial culture

Clostridium perfringens Genotype PCR

ANAER

CPGPCR

  • Fecal swab in anaerobic transport media shipped at room temperature
  • Clostridium perfringens genotyping PCR to further identify which genes for which toxins are present
(2) Blood Culture, AerobicBLDAER
  • (2) inoculated aerobic blood culture bottles
(2) Blood Culture, AnaerobicBLDAN
  • (2) inoculated anaerobic blood culture bottles
Clostridium difficile Toxins (A/B)CLDT
  • Fresh feces refrigerated and less than 24 hours old or frozen
Coronavirus PCR, BetaBCOR
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Fecal FlotationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Immunoglobulin G, Equine - TIAEQUINE IGG
  • Serum (separated)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Lawsonia intracellularis PCRLAWPCR
  • Feces (most common in 4-7 mo old foals but can occur in 3 mo to 13 mo old foals)
Rotavirus Antigen Detection Group ARLA
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Salmonella cultureSALM
  • Fecal swab in Amies transport media
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof sterile container
  • Fresh fecal sample in sterile container (fill to line on container but do not overfill) or in ParaPak® transport media to assist with Salmonella recovery
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

If septicemia suspected, include (2) Blood cultures, aerobic and (2) Blood cultures, anaerobic.

If fecal float is negative, consider Cryptosporidium ELISA and Giardia ELISA which are performed on fecal samples.

May also consider referral to University of Kentucky VDL for Rotavirus B PCR on fecal samples.

*Consider referral testing for Clostridium perfringens Type A and C in foals using alpha and beta toxin ELISA on freshly collected and promptly frozen feces:  https://pcrlab.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/veterinary-diagnostics/veterinary-submission-formsdiagnostic-tests-and-panels

Ship chilled (keep feces for toxin testing frozen) except for blood culture bottles, Port-a-cul™ and slides which should be kept at room temperature.

IgG results available within the same day.

To order blood culture bottles go to shipping services or call 607.253.3935. If non-group A Rotavirus is suspected, Electron Microscopy can be requested.

Equine Fever of Unknown Origin (Acute) Diagnostic Plan

If the entire plan is not desired, individual tests can be requested separately. Follow test hyperlinks to find individual test pricing.

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial CultureAER
  • Feces, Pleural fluid, Peritoneal fluid, CSF, Tracheal wash
Anaerobic bacterial cultureANAER
  • Feces, Pleural fluid, Peritoneal fluid, CSF, Tracheal wash
Anaplasma phagocytophilum PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
EHRE
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
(3) Blood Culture, Aerobic/FungalBLDAER
  • Whole blood in blood culture medium. For improved sensitivity, 3 samples 15-20 minutes apart if possible.
(3) Blood Culture, AnaerobicBLDAN
  • Whole blood in blood culture medium. For improved sensitivity, 3 samples 15-20 minutes apart if possible.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology or Peritoneal fluid cytology or Pleural fluid cytology or Tracheal wash cytologyCSFE
PTFE
PLFE
TWE
  • Also submit a red-top tube if culture is anticipated
  • CSF/Pleural fluid/Peritoneal fluid in EDTA
  • Smears (at least 2-3 unstained smears preferred)
Coronavirus PCR, Beta
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
BCOR
  • Feces
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) PCREEEPCR
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
  • CSF in sterile container
  • Urine in sterile container
Equine Adenovirus 1 PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
EAD1
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Equine Adenovirus 2 PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
EAD2
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Equine Arteritis Virus PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
EAR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Equine Herpesvirus PCR Panel
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
EHVPNL
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Virus c-ELISAEIAEL
  • Serum
Equine Parvovirus PCREQPVPCR
  • Serum, liver, EDTA whole blood
Equine Rhinitis Virus A PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
ERHA
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Equine Rhinitis Virus B PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
ERHB
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces from animals 3 days or older
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
Influenza Virus Matrix PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
IVMPCR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Lawsonia intracellularis qPCRLAWPCR
  • Feces, ileum
Leptospira MAT, 5 standard serovarsLEPTO
  • Serum
Leptospira Real-time PCRLEPTPCR
  • Urine in sterile container
Potomac Horse Fever PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
EHRR
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) IFAPHF
  • Serum
Salmonella cultureSALM
  • Feces
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • Serum
Streptococcus equi CultureSEQUCUL
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Streptococcus equi PCR
Included at a reduced price in the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel
SEQUPCR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Tracheal Wash CytologyTWE
  • Tracheal wash fluid in EDTA
  • Smears (at least 2-3 unstained smears preferred)
  • Submit a red-top tube if culture is anticipated.
Urinalysis, RoutineUA
  • Urine in sterile container
Urine CultureURCUL
  • Urine in sterile container
Virus IsolationVI
  • Fresh tissue or urine
West Nile Virus (WNV) IgG/IgM Capture ELISA CombinationWNELPL
  • Serum
West Nile Virus (WNV) PCRWNVPCR
  • CSF, brain or spinal cord

Notes

For fever in a foal, please refer to Equine Diarrhea/Septicemia, Neonatal Foal Acute Diarrhea Diagnostic Plan.

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 during the first week of illness. This plan is not intended to be ordered in its entirety, rather the clinician should select the most appropriate tests consistent with the patient’s history, clinical signs, geographic location and season. See Large Animal Internal Medicine, 6th Edition, 2019, Chapter 4: Fever of Unknown Origin

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Caseous lymphadenitis, Encephalitis, Eastern, IgM ELISA, Lawsonia IPMA and Piroplasmosis c-ELISA.  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).

Equine Fever of Unknown Origin (Chronic) Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial CultureAER
  • Feces, Pleural fluid, Peritoneal fluid, CSF, Tracheal wash
Anaerobic Bacterial CultureANAER
  • Fluid, swab or small tissue collected and immediately placed in anaerobic transport media.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum PCREHRE
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube or spleen
(3) Blood Culture, Aerobic/FungalBLDAER
  • Whole blood in blood culture medium. For improved sensitivity, 3 samples 15-20 minutes apart if possible.
(3) Blood Culture, AnaerobicBLDAN
  • Whole blood in blood culture medium. For improved sensitivity, 3 samples 15-20 minutes apart if possible.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytology or Peritoneal fluid cytology or Pleural fluid cytology or Tracheal wash cytologyCSFE
PTFE
PLFE
TWE
  • Also submit a red-top tube if culture is anticipated
  • CSF/Pleural fluid/Peritoneal fluid in EDTA
  • Smears (at least 2-3 unstained smears preferred)
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Virus c-ELISAEIAEL
  • Serum
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • 2 unstained, unfixed, air-dried blood smears
  • EDTA blood (tube >1/2 full)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Lawsonia intracellularis PCRLAWPCR
  • Feces, illium or tonsillar tissue
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • Serum
Streptococcus equi CultureSEQUCUL
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab or trans-tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Urinalysis, RoutineUA
  • Urine in sterile container
Urine CultureURCUL
  • Urine in sterile container
Virus IsolationVI
  • Tissue [target organs and blood-rich organs such as lymph nodes, spleen, lungs, kidney, heart, liver, brain] OR
  • Cerebrospinal fluid OR
  • EDTA whole blood OR
  • Antemortem nasal swab AND
  • Urine

Notes

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Anaplasma phagocytophilum IFA, Lawsonia IPMA, Piroplasmosis c-ELISA and Streptococcus equi ELISA. 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).

Equine Fever of Unknown Origin PCR Panel

Panel Code: EFUOP

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Anaplasma phagocytophilum PCREHRE
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube or spleen
Coronavirus PCR, BetaBCOR
  • Fresh feces, colon or colon contents in leak-proof container
Equine Herpesvirus 1 PCREHV1PCR
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube or spleen
Equine Herpesvirus 4 PCREHV4PCR
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube or spleen
Equine Respiratory PCR PanelERPNL
  • Nasal swab or nasopharyngeal swab or oropharyngeal swab or tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue
Potomac Horse Fever PCREHRR
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube or spleen

Notes

This panel is not a comprehensive list of etiologies of fever of unknown origin in the horse. For a more comprehensive list of tests for fever of unknown origin, please refer to the Equine Fever of Unknown Origin (Acute) Diagnostic Plan.

Equine Foal Joint Ill Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture
includes direct plating plus enrichment
AER
  • (1) swab inoculated with synovial fluid and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies)
  • Synovial fluid in EDTA tube (red top tube)
Anaerobic Bacterial CultureANAER
  • (1) swab inoculated with synovial fluid and placed in anaerobic transport media
Blood Culture, Aerobic/FungalBLDAER
  • Inoculated aerobic/fungal blood culture bottle
Blood Culture, AnaerobicBLDAN
  • Inoculated anaerobic blood culture bottle
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Immunoglobulin G, Equine - TIAEQUINE IGG
  • Serum (separated)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • Serum (separated)
Synovial Fluid Cytology
white blood cell count, total protein
JFE
  • (2) air dried slides of synovial fluid
  • Synovial fluid in EDTA tube (lavender top tube)

Notes

In rare circumstances a Fungal culture may also be warranted.

Synovial fluid can be placed in blood culture bottles to assist in bacterial recovery but sterility of sample procurement is mandatory. See blood culture technique for more information. To order blood culture bottles go to shipping services or call (607) 253-3935.

Ship all chilled except for Port-a-cul, blood culture bottles, and slides which should be at room temperature.

Equine Geriatric Horse Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
ACTH BaselineACTHEQ
  • EDTA plasma in lavender top tube (separated and placed in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample.
Insulin BaselineINSEQ
  • EDTA plasma in lavender top tube (separated and placed in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample.
ACTH Post TRH 10minACTHPOSTTRH1
  • EDTA plasma in lavender top tube (separated and placed in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample.
ACTH Post TRH 30minACTHPOSTTRH2
  • EDTA plasma in lavender top tube (separated and placed in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample.
ACTH Pre TRHACTHPRETRH
  • EDTA plasma in lavender top tube (separated and placed in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample.
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Virus c-ELISAEIAEL
  • Serum (separated, cooled, protected from light)
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Vitamin E in serumNDIK
  • Serum (separated, cooled, protected from light)

Notes

Need to include appropriate paperwork for coggins. Ship chilled.

If serum sample is more than 5 days old an EIA AGID will be substituted for the EIA c-ELISA.

Equine Herpesvirus PCR Panel/EHM

Panel Code: EHVPNL

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Equine Herpesvirus PCR PanelEHVPNL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
  • Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab in red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline
  • Fresh lung, liver, spleen, myocardium, placenta, fetus
Equine Herpesvirus 1 Neurological GenotypingEHVN
  • EHV-1 neurotyping can be added to extracted DNA from EHV-1 PCR positive or suspect samples to assist in the diagnosis of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Both the neurologic and non-neurologic genotypes of EHV-1 have the potential to cause neurologic deficits.

Notes

Refrigerate and ship chilled.

Equine Liver Panel

Plan Code: EQUINE LIVER

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
A/G Ratio 
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
AlbuminALB
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Aspartate AminotransferaseAST
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Bilirubin Panel (total, direct, indirect)BILIP
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Creatine kinaseCK
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Gamma Glutamyl TransferaseGGT
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Globulin 
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Glutamate Dehydrogenase, bloodGLDH
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Sorbitol Dehydrogenase, bloodSDH
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
Total Protein with Albumin and Globulins 
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)
TriglyceridesTRIG
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube)
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

Ship chilled.

Equine Mare Infertility Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic bacterial cultureAER
  • Uterine swab in Amies transport media
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • Uterine swab in Amies transport media
HistopathologyHISTO
  • Formalin fixed endometrial biopsy
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Vitamin E in serumNDIK
  • Serum (separated, cooled, protected from light)

Notes

May also want to consider (2) Progesterone baseline samples 10-12 days apart or possibly a Granulosa cell panel* (progesterone, testosterone, inhibin included for if indicated. Additional serum would need to be submitted.

Ship culture swabs, EDTA whole blood and serum chilled. Protect fixed tissue from freezing and keep slides at room temperature and protect them from formalin exposure.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
ACTH BaselineACTHEQ
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample
ACTH Pre TRH ResponseACTHPRETRH
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample
ACTH Post TRH 10 minACTHPOSTTRH1
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample
ACTH Post TRH 30 minACTHPOSTTRH2
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) and frozen within 4 hours of obtaining sample
Insulin BaselineINSEQ
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
LeptinLEPTIN
  • Separated EDTA plasma (in plastic tube or plain red top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
GlucoseGLU
  • Serum (separated)
T4 (Thyroxine) - ImmuliteT4I
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

Ship chilled/frozen. See Equine Metabolic Syndrome Tests for more information.

Equine Myopathy Plan

Horses with EPM may present with asymmetrical muscle wasting or weakness – diagnostics to consider include Sarcocystis neurona EPM SAG 2,3,4 ELISA and Neospora hughesi ELISA. Both assays are referred to Equine Diagnostic Solutions.

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
(2) Creatine kinaseCK
  • 1ml Serum or heparinized plasma (GTT) before exercise and after 15 min of walk/trot
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Vitamin E in serumNDIK
  • 1ml Serum (separated from clot and protected from light)

Notes

Muscle biopsy recommendations vary depending on the type of equine myopathy suspected. Please visit the Valberg Neuromuscular Diagnostic Laboratory for muscle biopsy guidance, including biopsy location and specimen handling instructions. In order to preserve specimen integrity and for best diagnostic results, muscle biopsies should be sent directly to MSU Integrated histopathology lab.

While muscle biopsy is required for the diagnosis of many equine myopathies, genetic testing is available through the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory for select equine myopathies, including Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1), Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency (GBED) in foals, Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP), Myosin Heavy Chain Myopathy (MYHM), and Malignant Hyperthermia (MH).

Equine Neurologic Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic bacterial cultureAER
  • CSF sample taken using sterile technique and placed in aerobic blood culture media (preferred) 
  • Swab of meninges prior to contamination and placed in aerobic transport media 
  • Swab inoculated with CSF and placed in aerobic transport media
  • Fresh brain placed in sterile container
Cerebrospinal Fluid CytologyCSFE
  • CSF in EDTA (lavender top tube)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus PCREEEPCR
  • Fresh brain (preferred) in sterile container
  • CSF in plain red top tube
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Equine Herpesvirus-1 PCREHV1PCR
  • Both EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) and nasal swab in 0.5ml sterile saline 
  • CSF in plain red top tube
  • Spinal cord in sterile container
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • CSF sample taken using sterile technique and placed in aerobic blood culture media (preferred) 
  • Swab of meninges prior to contamination and placed in aerobic transport media 
  • Swab inoculated with CSF and placed in aerobic transport media
  • Fresh brain placed in sterile container
HistopathologyHISTO
  • Full set of fixed tissues placed in formalin, including multiple sections of brain and spinal cord
Lyme Disease PCRLYMPCR
  • Central nervous system tissue in sterile container
  • CSF in plain red top tube
Ref: Encephalitis, Eastern, IgM ELISAREEEIGM
  • Serum (separated)
Ref: EPM CSF:Serum RatioREPMSR
  • CSF in plain red top tube and serum (separated)
Selenium, tissueNCRJ
  • Fresh liver
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Vitamin E Alcohol, in serumNDIK
  • Serum (separated)
West Nile Virus (WNV) IgG/IgM Capture ELISA CombinationWNELPL
  • Serum (separated), preferred
  • CSF in plain red top tube
West Nile Virus (WNV) PCRWNVPCR
  • Fresh brain (preferred) in sterile container
  • CSF in plain red top tube

Notes

Ship chilled except for slides which should be kept at room temperature.

May want to retain feed sources including hay and collect stomach contents for possible botulism testing. Contact lab for more information.

‡ The Equine Herpes Virus-1 Neuropathogenic Genotype PCR (EHVN) can be requested for an additional fee.

EPM SAG 2,3,4 (CSF: Serum Ratio) is only testing for antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona. If testing for Neospora hughesi you must also request referral to Equine Diagnostic Solutions for their Neospora hughesi SAG 1 ELISA. 

The Eastern Encephalitis IgM ELISA must be run in conjunction with EEE PCR to increase diagnosis of this viral disease. The sensitivity of these diagnostics can vary throughout the course of disease; therefore, it is necessary to run both tests together. 

Anaplasma phagocytophilum may be a differential in neurologic horses. Consider adding the Anaplasma phagocytophilum PCR (EHRE) on EDTA whole blood.

**Equine neurologic signs can be attributed to primary hepatic and gastrointestinal disease resulting in hyperammonemia or primary renal disease resulting in uremic encephalopathy.

Equine Pasture Pregnancy Panel

Panel Code: EQPREG

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Estrone Sulfate
Estrone sulfate for greater than 90 days pregnant; PMSG for 45-100 days pregnant; Progesterone for less than 60 days pregnant.
E1S
  • Serum (separated)
Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin
Estrone sulfate for greater than 90 days pregnant; PMSG for 45-100 days pregnant; Progesterone for less than 60 days pregnant.
PMSG
  • Serum (separated)
  • PMSG not available for donkeys
Progesterone - RIA - Equine
Estrone sulfate for greater than 90 days pregnant; PMSG for 45-100 days pregnant; Progesterone for less than 60 days pregnant.
PRE
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

Ship chilled.

Estrone sulfate for greater than 90 days pregnant; PMSG for 45-100 days pregnant; Progesterone for less than 60 days pregnant. See Equine Female Reproductive Testing for more information.

Equine Pre-purchase Exam Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) SN
If stallion, add EVASN
EVASN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Virus c-ELISAEIAEL
  • Serum (separated)
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)

Equine Drug Screen Level 1 or

Equine Drug Screen Level 2

EQDRUG1

EQDRUG2

  • 8ml Heparinized whole blood (green top tube)
  • 4ml of heparinized plasma separated and placed in plain red top tube

Notes

Ship chilled. Slides should be kept at room temperature.

Need to include appropriate paperwork for Coggins. Do not use gel clot activated tubes (SST).

If stallion, add Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) SN on serum. If stallion is known EVA positive, may want to consider Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) semen isolation (OIE) on semen. Contact lab prior to semen collection.

‡ If serum sample is more than 5 days old an EIA AGID will be substituted for the EIA c-ELISA.

Equine Respiratory PCR Panel

Panel Code: ERPNL

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Equine Adenovirus 1 PCREAD1
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Equine Adenovirus 2 PCREAD2
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Equine Arteritis Virus PCREAR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Equine Herpesvirus 4 PCREHV4PCR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Equine Herpesvirus-1 PCREHV1PCR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Equine Rhinitis Virus A PCRERHA
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Equine Rhinitis Virus B PCRERHB
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Influenza Virus Matrix PCRIVMPCR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Streptococcus equi PCRSEQUPCR
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)

Equine Respiratory Serology Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Equine Adenovirus (EAD) SNEADSN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) SNEVASN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (Rhinopneumonitis) SNEHV1SN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Herpesvirus-4 SNEHV4SN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) HAIEIVHAI
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Rhinovirus-1 (ER-A) (Equine Rhinitis A Virus) SNERAVSN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Rhinovirus-2 (Equine Rhinitis B Virus) SNERBVSN
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

When acute and convalescent samples are/will be collected, for most serology assays they should always be tested in parallel, and paired results interpreted. If acute samples are submitted alone please indicated if all tests should be performed. If second, convalescent samples are later submitted, tests on both samples will be run in parallel and fees for both samples will be charged. To avoid testing acute samples twice, hold and submit with convalescent samples. If convalescent samples will not be collected, or when infectious abortion is strongly suspected due to history, immediate testing of acute sample may be warranted.

Equine Respiratory, Adult (Acute) Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial CultureAER
  • Trans-tracheal wash fluid in a red top tube
  • Swab of TTW in bacterial transport media
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue aseptically collected and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies)
  • Fresh lung in sterile container
Anaerobic Bacterial CultureANAER
  • Swab of transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred sample) or swab of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in anaerobic transport media
  • Fresh lung (>2-3 cm in diameter, minimum size) in sterile container
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue aseptically collected and immediately placed in anaerobic transport media
Equine Herpesvirus PCR PanelEHVPNL
  • EDTA blood (min. 2ml)
  • Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab in red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline

Equine Respiratory PCR Panel

*Panel consists of multiple PCR assays: Equine Herpesviruses 1 and 4, Equine Adenoviruses 1 and 2, Equine Rhinitis viruses A and B, Influenza A virus (matrix), Equine arteritis virus and Streptococcus equi equi
ERPNL
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • Swab of transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred sample) or swab of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in anaerobic transport media or Amies transport media
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue in anaerobic transport media or Amies transport media
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Streptococcus equi CultureSEQUCUL
  • Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)
  • Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers)
Tracheal Wash CytologyTWE
  • Tracheal wash fluid in EDTA
  • Smears (at least 2-3 unstained smears preferred)
  • Also submit a red-top tube if culture is anticipated. 

Notes

Ship chilled. It may be helpful to collect and bank a serum sample for possible acute and convalescent serology.

† This PCR panel tests for equine herpesvirus 1 and 4, equine adenoviruses 1 and 2, equine rhinitis viruses A and B, influenza A virus (matrix) and streptococcus equi. All tests included in this panel are also available individually and expedited results (STAT) are also available upon request for an additional fee. This panel does not include other bacterial respiratory pathogens which would require a transtracheal wash (TTW) or bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL). See chronic respiratory panel below.

†† To maximize sensitivity, it is recommended that BOTH a streptococcus equi PCR (included in the PCR panel) and a streptococcus equi culture be run in parallel (requiring BOTH a nasal swab in a red top tube with 0.5mL of sterile saline and a nasal swab in bacterial transport media).

Equine Respiratory, Adult (Chronic) Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial CultureAER
  • Trans-tracheal wash fluid in a red top tube
  • Swab of TTW in bacterial transport media
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue aseptically collected and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies)
  • Fresh lung in sterile container
Anaerobic Bacterial CultureANAER
  • (1) swab of tracheal wash fluid in anaerobic transport media
  • Fresh lung (>2-3 cm in diameter, minimum size) in sterile container
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue aseptically collected and immediately placed in anaerobic transport media
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Count Cytology (smear exam and counts)BALE
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in EDTA (lavender top tube) (required)
  • (2) rapidly air-dried, unstained smears (additional sample for best result)
Equine Herpesvirus 5 qPCREHV5PCR
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (preferred) fluid in red top tube
  • Transtracheal wash (TTW) fluid in red top tube
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • Swab of transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred sample) or swab of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in anaerobic transport media or Amies transport media
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue in anaerobic transport media or Amies transport media
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Tracheal Wash CytologyTWE
  • Tracheal wash fluid in EDTA (lavender top tube) (required sample)
  • (2) rapidly air-dried, unstained smears (additional sample for best result)
  • Submit extra tracheal wash fluid in a red top tube if culture is anticipated

Notes

Ship chilled except for Port-a-cul and slides which should be at room temperature for anaerobes.

See Transtracheal Wash Procedure for more information. [Nasal or pharyngeal swabs are only appropriate for virus isolation and PCR. Submit in viral transport media or a red top tube with a 0.5 ml sterile saline for virus isolation and PCR.]

Equine Respiratory, Foal Diagnostic Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic Bacterial Culture
Rhodococcus equi included
AER
  • (1) swab inoculated with sample and placed in aerobic transport media (Amies without charcoal)
  • Transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred)
Anaerobic Bacterial CultureANAER
  • (1) swab inoculated with tracheal wash fluid and placed in anaerobic transport media
  • Fresh lung (>2-3 cm in diameter, minimum size)
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue aseptically collected and immediately placed in anaerobic transport media
Equine Respiratory PCR PanelERPNL
  • Nasal or pharyngeal swabs in viral transport media or a red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline
  • Transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred)
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Fibrinogen (heat-precipitation)FIB-SCH
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
Fungal CultureFUNGCM
  • Swab of transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred sample) or swab of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in anaerobic transport media or Amies transport media
  • Swab of lung or piece of lung tissue in anaerobic transport media or Amies transport media
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Immunoglobulin G, Equine - TIAEQUINE IGG
  • Serum (separated)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Rhodococcus equi virulence PCRREQUPCR
  • Transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred)
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Tracheal Wash CytologyTWE
  • (2) air dried slides of fluid
  • Transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred)

Notes

Ship chilled except for slides which should be at room temperature.

See Transtracheal Wash Procedure for more information. [Nasal or pharyngeal swabs are only appropriate for virus isolation and PCR. Submit in viral transport media or a red top tube with a 0.5 ml sterile saline for virus isolation and PCR.]

†This PCR panel tests for equine herpesvirus 1 and 4, equine adenoviruses 1 and 2, equine rhinitis viruses A and B, influenza A virus (matrix) and streptococcus equi. All tests included in this panel are also available individually and expedited results (STAT) are also available upon request.

§ Rhodococcus equi virulence PCR has only been validated on TTW samples and nasal swabs will be rejected.

Equine Vaccine Titer Plan

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Plaque Reduction Serum NeutralizationEEEPRSN
  • Serum
EHV-1 Risk EvaluationEHV1PSP
  • Serum (separated) or EDTA plasma
Equine Herpesvirus 4 SNEHV4SN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) HAIEIVHAI
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Rhinitis A Virus SNERAVSN
  • Serum (separated)
Equine Rhinitis B Virus SNERBVSN
  • Serum (separated)
Lyme Disease, Equine Multiplex AssayEQLM
  • Serum (separated)
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) IFAPHF
  • Serum (separated)
West Nile Virus (WNV) IgG/IgM Capture ELISA CombinationWNELPL
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

Ship chilled.

EHV-1 SN (Rhinopneumonitis) EHV1SN is also available.

‡ Protective vaccine-induced titers for the various equine diseases have generally not been established. It may be desirable to obtain baseline post-vaccination titers in animals so that later titer testing can be interpreted in light of an animal’s known response to vaccination.

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Equine encephalomyelitis PRNT Panel (EEE, WEE, VEE), Rabies Titer and Streptococcus equi ELISA. 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).

Equine Weanling/Yearling (Acute) Diarrhea Diagnosis

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Aerobic bacterial cultureAER
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Anaerobic bacterial cultureANAER
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Clostridium difficile Toxins (A/B)CLDT
  • Fresh feces, frozen
Clostridium perfringens EnterotoxinCLPT
  • Fresh feces, frozen
Coronavirus PCR, BetaBCOR
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Lawsonia PCRLAWPCR
  • Feces, ileum, or tonsillar tissue
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) IFAPHF
  • Serum (separated)
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) PCREHRR
  • EDTA whole blood in lavender top tube
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Rotavirus Antigen Detection Group ARLA
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Salmonella cultureSALM
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Sand Recovery AnalysisSAND
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container, chilled, not frozen
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)

Notes

Please note that additional referral diagnostics to consider with this plan may include Lawsonia IPMA. 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).

Equine Wellness Profile Adult/Performance

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Virus c-ELISAEIAEL
  • Serum (separated, cooled, protected from light)
Fecal FloatationFLOAT
  • Fresh feces in leak-proof container
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Large Animal ChemistryLA P
  • Heparinized plasma (separated from a green top tube) or
  • Serum (separated)
Selenium, whole bloodSEL
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube) or
  • Heparin whole blood (green top tube)
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • Serum (separated, cooled, protected from light)
Vitamin E in serumNDIK
  • Serum (separated, cooled, protected from light)

Notes

Ship chilled. Need to include appropriate paperwork for Coggins.

‡ If serum sample is more than 5 days old an EIA AGID will be substituted for the EIA c-ELISA.

Equine Wellness, Newborn Foal (0-48 hours)

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
Hemogram, Large AnimalLA CBC
  • (2) air dried blood smears
  • EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube)
Immunoglobulin G, Equine - TIAEQUINE IGG
  • Serum (separated)
Serum Amyloid ASAA VET
  • Serum (separated)

Notes

Ship chilled except for slides which should be kept at room temperature.

IgG results available within the same day.

Large Animal Renal Panel

Plan Code: LARGE RENAL

Tests PerformedTest CodeSamples Needed
AlbuminALB
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
Anion Gap 
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
CalciumCA
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
ChlorideCL
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
CreatinineCREAT
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
Phosphate (Phosphorus)P
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
PotassiumK
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
SodiumNA
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma
Urea NitrogenBUN
  • 1ml Serum (separated) or heparinized plasma

Notes

Ship chilled.