Gastrointestinal Laboratory
All fecal alpha-1-PI testing suspended!
Due to a shortage in native canine alpha-1-PI we are suspending all fecal alpha-1-PI testing. While we work on the purification of more protein, we will continue to accept new submissions for testing. All A1PI submissions will be stored at -80 until we resume testing. – We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause! Please contact us should you have any further questions.
Email the GI LabA veterinarian must submit all samples. Veterinary specialists in internal medicine certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) are available for consultation to discuss the interpretation of test results with submitting veterinarians and their implications for patient management.
Shipping Notices
Packages with the GROUND LIMITED QUANTITY mark are forbidden in the FedEx Express network, as they are forbidden for transport by air. Please completely obscure or remove the GROUND LIMITED QUANTITY mark to be in compliance with IATA and DOT regulations. The mark or any part of it must not be visible at all. Each of these shipments may result in a $75,000.00 fine from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Important Notice to International Clients
We cannot accept samples from exotic or agricultural species from outside the United States. This includes feline and canine exotic species. Additional information regarding international shipments is available under our sample requirements and histopathology pages, respectively. If you have specific questions, please contact us directly via email (gilab@cvm.tamu.edu) BEFORE shipping your samples.
Weekend Shipments
We are not here to receive packages on the weekends and they will sit unattended if delivered on Saturday, Sunday, or on a holiday, even if shipped using FedEx or UPS. Shipping using USPS (US Mail) is never recommended due to delays that will affect your results. The university post office may be closed anytime the university is closed. Anytime we experience delays in receiving sample submissions, turnaround times may be extended. See additional instructions about sample requirements.
News & Supporters
Focus: Endocrinology
25 hours of continuing education delivered by internationally renowned experts!
This annual conference, held in partnership with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand, takes place at the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, Phuket, Thailand, from October 5–9, 2026.
An internationally recognized expert in gastroenterology, Dr. Jody Gookin is credited with the discovery of Tritrichomonas foetus as the most common, worldwide infectious cause of colitis in domestic cats. As a Hagler Fellow, she has been collaborating with the GI Lab.
Video courtesy of the Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University
Specializing in veterinary pathobiology and toxicologic pathology of the liver, Hagler Fellow John Cullen ranks as one of the world’s most accomplished and distinguished veterinary hepatopathologists. In this interview, Cullen discusses his life, career, and the purpose of his research.
Video courtesy of the Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University
Jörg M. Steiner, Med Vet, Dr Med Vet, PhD, DACVIM-SAIM, DECVIM-CA, AGAF sits down with dvm360 and shares his start in veterinary medicine, and specifically, how he pursued gastroenterology within small animal internal medicine. He also discusses how pancreatitis can differ in dogs and cats, and how it can appear the same.
Video courtesy of dvm360
Dr. Steiner explains how most cases of pancreatitis are idiopathic. However, some things could attribute to the development of this disease and it’s important to speak to owners about certain feeding habits. He also discusses a new treatment for acute pancreatitis.
Video courtesy of dvm360
Our Veterinary Nutrition Service specializes in gastrointestinal and critical care veterinary nutrition, providing the highest level of expertise in these crucial areas. Nutrition plays a significant role in the overall health and well-being of dogs and cats. Ensuring that your pet is eating a proper diet can increase their chances of avoiding common diseases and living longer lives.
A service of the GI Lab and the VMTH
Support the GI Lab
Our lab, the only one of its kind worldwide, has helped to bring along many advances in our understanding of gastrointestinal disease in companion animals. Over the last 30+ years, we have developed several new diagnostic tests that help your veterinarian make a diagnosis and choose the appropriate therapy for your pet. Unfortunately, there is little government funding available to study diseases in dogs and cats. While millions of dollars are spent every year to improve the gastrointestinal health of humans, our furry companions are left behind! Your donation can make a difference!
Make a DonationContact Us
Gastrointestinal Laboratory (GI Lab)
Dr. Jörg M. Steiner | Director
Regents & Distinguished Professor,
and Dr. Mark Morris Chair
in Small Animal Gastroenterology & Nutrition
Small Animal Clinical Sciences (VSCS)
College of Veterinary Medicine
& Biomedical Science (VMBS)
Building 1085 (VSAH)
408 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy.
Texas A&M University
4474 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843-4474
Tel: 979.862.2861 | Fax: 979.862.2864
Email: gilab@cvm.tamu.edu