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Axiom is based in Devon and have over 120 members of dedicated staff.
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Manor House, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4PB
The great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness no one rejects dislikes avoids pleasure itself because it is pleasure but because know who do not those how to pursue pleasures rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful desires to obtain.
Read MoreBVSc, MSc, MMedVet, DipECEIM, MRCVS
RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine
I graduated from the University of Liverpool with both a veterinary degree and a master’s degree in veterinary parasitology. Following time in practice, I undertook an internship in equine medicine and surgery, followed by an equine internal medicine residency in South Africa. In 2017 I returned home to the UK, working in private practice as an internal medicine clinician, before joining the Axiom team and starting my business, Specialist Equine Medical Services.
My areas of special interest include the investigation of medical disease, antimicrobial resistance and the effective management of bacterial infections. I particularly enjoy case discussions, and supporting vets with medical cases.
Outside of work I love salsa, paddle boarding and donkeys!
BVM&S CertEP MRCVS
Advanced Practitioner in Equine Practice
I qualified from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh in 2001 and then completed a 1-year rotating internship in equine medicine and surgery at the Marion DuPont Equine Medical Center, Virginia, USA. I spent a year in farm and equine practice in North Yorkshire before starting work as an ambulatory vet at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic in 2003 where I gained my Certificate in Equine Practice and Advanced Practitioner status.
I have always been interested in clinical pathology and have worked part-time for Axiom for several years. I also work part-time for the Wales Veterinary Science Centre as a veterinary disease investigator. I am a keen runner and cyclist, and can often be found walking two very energetic spaniels.
I graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, in 2006. I worked in a busy equine and large animal ambulatory practice for four years, prior to a two year internship at Newmarket Equine Hospital. I then completed a four-year residency in equine medicine and a MSc by research in equine grass sickness at the University of Edinburgh.
I returned to Newmarket Equine Hospital to work as a locum equine medicine consultant and then back to Edinburgh again for a Horserace Betting Levy Board PhD in the equine athletic heart. I am a diplomate of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine. I joined the team at Bell Equine and Axiom in November 2021.
I qualified from Cambridge in 2005. After 18 months in small animal practice I joined Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic as a hospital intern. I have remained at the practice ever since in various roles including ambulatory, hospital and management roles. I obtained my European Diploma in Equine Internal Medicine in 2014 after residency training split between the RVC and Bell Equine.
I began internal medicine consultancy work with Axiom veterinary laboratory in 2017 and was closely involved in the development of the equine service. I have a strong interest in clinical research. I undertook a part-time PhD on laminitis at the RVC from 2015-2021 and currently split my time between clinical work, laboratory medicine for Axiom and post-doctoral research into atypical myopathy.
BVMS MSc MRCVS
I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1997 and spent three years in mixed practice, before the next 14 years working for SAC in Veterinary Investigation Officer, disease surveillance centre manager and sheep and goat health schemes manager roles based in north and north east Scotland. My work involved farm animal diagnostic pathology, disease surveillance and cattle and sheep health schemes.
In 2004 I gained an MSc in Livestock Health & Production through the RVC. In 2014 I returned to farm animal practice and also set up a small ruminant fertility company, doing mainly sheep lap AI and ET, whilst continuing to work part time as a VIO at SAC. After a change in ownership at the practice I joined the farm vet team at Axiom in May 2018.
When not working for Axiom I help out on my partner’s and my family’s farms (until recently this included a high yielding dairy herd until loss of the local milk field so now it is just beef, sheep and arable). I also enjoy baking, walking it off and curling.
I qualified from Bristol Vet School in 1988 after having previously obtained a degree in Environmental Biology. I initially had a rather varied career gaining clinical experience in small animal, farm animal, equine, zoo and wildlife work. I moved into laboratory work in 1998 and then joined what was the VLA (now the APHA) as a Veterinary Investigation Officer in south west England in 2005.
I moved to Axiom in 2013 to help set up the farm animal diagnostics service. Away from Axiom, my time is taken up carrying out post mortem examinations on marine life, particularly cetaceans and seals, that strand around the coast of Cornwall where I live.
I qualified from Glasgow Vet School in 1995. After two years in clinical practice I returned to Glasgow University, completing a one year rotating internship and then a short small animal medicine residency, gaining the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2000. I returned to clinical practice for another three years before commencing my role as internal medicine consultant in 2003. I started consulting for Finn Pathologists in 2009 and now manage the internal medicine team across all species. In my spare time I enjoy hill walking and gardening. I currently have a geriatric dog and a young mischievous cat in my family.
I qualified from Bristol vet school then worked in mixed and small-animal practice, completed a medicine residency at Glasgow vet school, enjoyed providing vet input to lab reports during that period so joined the Axiom veterinary team in 2002, which became a sister laboratory to Finn in 2008 so the vet team covers both labs now. There’s always something new to learn. Favourite fact: around 90% of DNA in dogs/cats (and us human beings!) is actually microbial. As Bill Bryson said, we’re only here because the microbes allow us to be…
I work part time as the Deputy Manager of Internal Medicine. The remainder of my time is divided between specialist locum work in various veterinary hospitals, and teaching and advising on my favourite subject, feline medicine. I qualified in 1999 from Cambridge Veterinary School and after working for a few years in first opinion small animal practice I was fortunate to undertake one of the last UK feline medicine residencies, provided at the Animal Health Trust. I then worked at Bristol University for a year, in the canine, feline and emergency medicine departments. Following this I gained the RCVS Diploma and Specialist Status in Feline Medicine, whilst working in private referral practice. I have a particular interest in respiratory disease, and haematology. I have a Connemara pony, and I have always owned at least one cat, including a geriatric who gave me plenty of practice in managing co-morbidities.
I qualified from Bristol Vet School in 2001 and gained my RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Medicine in 2009. I currently work in a busy small animal practice in Devon unraveling their medical cases. I enjoy all aspects of small animal medicine, particularly elderly patients with multiple problems. I have got the cold water swimming bug and swim all year round at my local beach. I also love to bake and curling up with a large cuppa and a good book. I have a chatty cat called Poppy a few chickens to help with the cake habit.
I qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1992. I spent six years in general practice, and subsequently undertook a residency in internal medicine at Cambridge and later gained the RCVS Diploma in Small Animal Medicine.
Since then, I have divided my time between clinical work, involving mainly internal medicine, relating both to first-opinion and referral cases, and clinical pathology.
I am a module coordinator for the Cert AVP medicine modules at Liverpool University. I am a co-editor of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology and a member of the editorial board for In Practice.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with her family, cooking and gardening and have recently taken up ice skating.
I graduated from Glasgow University in 1985, and spent most of my career in the United States, apart from 3 years at Cambridge University, where I realised that Internal Medicine was the perfect fit for me. I received an MS and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and also completed a residency there, becoming board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1999.
I have worked in private referral practice in Wisconsin, as well as in academic veterinary medicine at UW-Madison, Colorado State University, and North Carolina State University
As well as clinical work, my career has included research, teaching, and mentoring. While at NC State University I was director of the Small Animal Internal Medicine residency program and I completed a postgraduate certificate in veterinary education. .
I particularly enjoy investigating and managing endocrine and metabolic diseases. I now live in beautiful North Wales with my husband (also a vet), a donkey and pony, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and a large out-of-control garden.
Qualified from Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Copenhagen in 1993. My specialist interests are infectious diseases and parasitology (including tropical diseases) as well as toxicology. I also have an interest in conservation. Members of the household include dogs (unmannered), cats (superior), “Gherkin” the Rock Pebbler parrot (not least!), plus a small collection of poultry. Note: can remove bracketed words if preferred.
I completed my undergraduate studies at Cambridge in 1999 and then returned to Cambridge for an internship as a new graduate. I started a residency in small animal internal medicine at the Royal Veterinary College in 2001 and obtained my European Diploma in Small Animal Internal medicine in 2007. In my current role I very much enjoy the varied work that we are exposed to as well as our constant interactions with our clinical colleagues. My areas of interest include small animal endocrinology and gastroenterology. Out of work I enjoy family time and walking.
I qualified from UCD in 1997. Following university I moved to England and worked in small animal practice in Southampton and Newbury and returned to UCD in 2000 to start a residency in small animal medicine. Having completed my residency and achieving a diploma in internal medicine from ECVIM I remained at UCD and worked as a lecturer until 2012 with main interests in endocrinology, haematology/transfusion medicine and canine angiostrongylosis. After this I worked in Gilabbey Veterinary Hospital, a referral hospital in Cork city and joined the lab in 2022. I live in Cashel in Tipperary with my family and 2 wire haired vizlas.
Stratos gained his veterinary qualification from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 2008 and following a year in small animal practice he moved to Dublin, Ireland to pursue further training in clinical pathology. He started a clinical pathology residency in UCD, Ireland in 2010. He became Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2014 and a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2015. He has worked for different diagnostic laboratories in the UK and between 2019 and 2021 he was a lecturer at the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Surrey. He joined CVS as the Manager of Clinical Pathology in late 2021.
Guy qualified in veterinary medicine from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2014 after previously completing a degree in veterinary pathology from the same institution. After spending time in small animal clinical practice he started a clinical pathology residency and Masters degree at the University of Nottingham and Finn Pathologists. Upon completion of the residency in 2020 he stayed on at Finn as a clinical pathologist, obtaining Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2021, and subsequently becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2023. Guy’s interests include clinical biochemistry and endocrinology, haematology, and quality management. Outside of work Guy enjoys cooking, travel and anything art-related, and is often kept busy with his naughty beagle, Rupert.
Dr Viviana Le Donne achieved the degree of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Sassari, Italy in 2008. She trained in clinical pathology in Italy, Spain and USA. She holds a PhD in the field of Animal Welfare with a thesis on relative expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor in feline spontaneous and injection-site sarcomas. She is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and became Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathology (Clinical Pathology) in 2015 after completing a formal three year residency in veterinary clinical pathology at Louisiana State University, USA. Dr Le Donne`s areas of interests are diagnostic cytopathology and haematopathology in small animals and exotic species, and bone marrow pathology. She has two Bengal cats named “Kaaju” and “Kishmish” and has adopted two orphaned elephants and a black rhino.
Anne received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 2004. She went on to do a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences (Virology) at the University of Surrey during which she worked as a research scientist in the Rabies group at the Vet Lab Agency (now Animal and Plant Health Agency). Anne was employed as a scientific officer in the haematology department at Axiom in 2006. She was successful at the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership and became MRCVS in 2016. In 2017, she started a combined 3-year academic/ industry clinical pathology residency program with time split between the University of Nottingham and Axiom Vet lab. Anne became a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2021. She also received a Master’s in Veterinary Medicine at the same time from the University of Nottingham. Since then, Anne has joined the team of Veterinary Clinical Pathologists at Axiom. Her areas of interest are cytology and haematology.
Having graduated from Liverpool University in Veterinary Science, Patricia spent several years working in small animal referral and first opinion practices. She undertook residency training in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at the Royal Veterinary College in London and became American boarded in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in 2012. She has since worked in commercial laboratories for 10 years reporting mainly in cytology, haematology, chemistry and endocrinology particularly for small animals. She is very interested in lymphoma, infectious disease and ‘one health’ and has been with CVS since 2018.
Emma qualified from Glasgow University in 2003. Emma completed an Equine Internal Medicine Residency in 2009 at Marion Du Pont Scott Equine Medical Center. After a period working in Australia, Emma returned to the UK and undertook a Clinical Pathology residency and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2016. Emma’s particular interests lie in equine diagnostic pathology, especially oncology.
Amy qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2010. She spent 5 years in small animal practice before completing her residency in veterinary clinical pathology. She has a particular interest in cytology and when not working enjoys travelling.
Kate qualified as a vet from the Royal Veterinary College London in 2000 and returned for her residency in 2006 gaining board certification (Dip ACVP) in 2009. She is particularly interested in cytology and haematology. She has 2 cats, 2 dogs, 12 chickens and 1 hamster.
Niki graduated from Cambridge vet school in 2002 and spent four happy years in mixed practice in the Cotswolds before joining Axiom Veterinary Laboratories in 2007 to train in clinical pathology. In 2010 she became a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, and in 2011 a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP).
Niki plays an active role in ECVCP: she is currently Chair of the Examination Committee, having been a member of the Cytology subcommittee since 2013.
She makes the most of living in beautiful Devon, enjoying regular beach visits, campervan trips, exploring Dartmoor and swimming in any available body of water. She lives with her husband, two children, and very ancient but much loved Austin the cat (whose blood work is remarkably unremarkable, despite his decrepit appearance).
Dr Rémi Froment earned his veterinary degree from the Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Lyon, France in 2009. He completed a 3 year residency program at the Université de Montréal (Montréal, Québec, Canada) between 2011 and 2014 and became board-certified in Veterinary Clinical Pathology in September 2014.
Since then he has offered his services in veterinary clinical pathology as a consultant / locum for several diagnostic labs, in the preclinical industry field or at the University of Montreal as a clinical instructor. During his spare time, Remi enjoys outdoors activities including sports, gardening or wildlife watching..
Daren completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery degree at Murdoch University, Perth, in 1987, graduating with first class honours. He is an experienced small animal clinician, having owned his own practice for several years. In 2005, Daren commenced a pathology residency at the University of Florida. He then joined an in-house resident training program at Finn Pathologists, during which time he gained in-depth experience in histopathology and cytology. In 2009, he returned to his home town of Adelaide, South Australia, achieving board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). Daren enjoys unusual and challenging cases, always applying a clinical perspective. His special interests include dermatopathology, lymphoid neoplasia and cytology-histology correlation. In his spare time, Daren enjoys gardening, catering to his two demanding cats “Winky” and “Kit-Kit”, and tinkering with electronic music production.
Annalize (Annie) Ide was born and grew up in South Africa, where she qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria, in 1993. Her early years as a veterinary surgeon were spent in a mixed practice in Carmarthen, South Wales, where she met her future husband. In 1995 she returned to Onderstepoort to do a residency in Anatomic Pathology. As part of her residency she completed a masters dissertation on chronic debility of lions in the Kruger National Park. She obtained her MMedVet(Path) in 2000. She started working at Finn Pathologists in East Anglia in 1999 as a diagnostic pathologist. During her time at Finns she started up the immunohistochemistry laboratory and also developed a keen interest in oral pathology. Annalize is now in her 24th year at Finn Pathologists and her interests have evolved with the laboratory. Her current interests are immunohistochemistry, oncological pathology, oral pathology and the use of artificial intelligence in veterinary diagnostic pathology. She has recently spent 2 weeks training in oral pathology with Professor Brian Murphy at UCDavis. She has also just taken on the role of Deputy Head of Anatomic Pathology. Outside of work, Annie is married to James and they have two children. They live in Norfolk and Annie enjoys socializing with friends, gardening, reading, walking, baking and pilates.
“What is your diagnosis? Cystic ovarian structure in a dog” Skeldon N, Spoor M, Klaassen J, Ide A. Vet Clin Pathol. 2018 Dec;47(4):667-669. doi: 10.1111/vcp.12643.
“Primary haemangiosarcoma of the tibia in a dog: Clinical and pathological findings” Petterino, C., Penzo, C., Ide, A. Comparative Clinical Pathology 23(1) DOI:10.1007/s00580-013-1831-4.
I graduated from Glasgow in 2002, and then worked in equine practice for five years. In 2008 I began a pathology residency at the university of Edinburgh, funded by The Horse Trust, and at the same time completed a Masters degree relating to histological changes of equine periodontal disease. I worked for six years for SAC consulting veterinary services, dealing with a wide range of farm and companion animal pathology, before starting at Finn pathologists in 2017. My particular interest is in equine pathology.
Multiple myeloma involving the gastrointestinal tract in an English Springer Spaniel. Roberts E, Shirlow A, Cox A, Davies O. Vet Med Sci. 2022 Nov;8(6):2273-2276. doi: 10.1002/vms3.927. Epub 2022 Sep 2.
Molecular detection of Sarcocystis cruzi in three beef carcases with eosinophilic myositis lesions and in unaffected beef from animals in the same herd. Waine K, Bartley PM, Cox A, Newsome R, Strugnell B, Katzer F. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports. 2022 Aug;33:100751. doi: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100751.
Michail qualified from the Arisrotle University of Thessaloniki. He has worked as a veterinary surgeon in the independent and corporate small animal sector in the UK and abroad, where owned various leadership roles. He collaborated with charity organisations where he was responsible to create and submit financial offers and full dossiers to organize, implement and conduct stray animal welfare programs. His interest in Veterinary Pathology led him to get involved in a research project in this discipline and he successfully supported his Ph.D. thesis in 2010. During his stay in the academia he was involved in post mortems, diagnostic histopathology, teaching students, preparing papers for publication whilst he managed financial resources regarding collaborative scientific projects. Michail worked as a GP vet, CD and consultant in second opinion practices. As a CD he was involved in monitoring and auditing clinics’ financial performances and profitability by reviewing information through KPI, ATV, NPS, P&L and cash flow statements. He successfully implemented business plans, led risk assessment processes, and oversaw practice refurbishments. Michail enjoys speaking in large audiences, generating lectures and building presentations, hence two of his presentations have been awarded as best oral presentations in the topic of Quality Improvement discipline. He is hoping to complete his studies in veterinary business management and veterinary entrepreneurship by the end of 2023.
David Shearer qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1984 where he was medicine intern from 1984-1985 during which time he developed an interest in dermatology. After nearly three years in general practice he was at The University of Bristol Vet School for 10 years initially as a Clinical Fellow in Dermatology, then a Welcome Research Scholar and finally a Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology for 5 years. He obtained a PhD on the immunology canine pyoderma in 1995. David was a RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Dermatology until 2019. David is a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists. David has worked as both a referral clinical dermatologist (1988-2019) and a diagnostic histopathologist (1992-) for over 30 years. He currently works as an anatomic pathologist and dermatopathologist for Finn Pathologist well as supporting his wife’s veterinary dermatology referral service. David has co-authored a textbook on veterinary ectoparasites, written papers on immunology and pathology, and has spoken globally on veterinary dermatology, immunology and pathology. David was on the management board of The International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology (ISVD) for 16 years and BVDSG for 6 years. David was President of ISVD from 2014-2018. David has an international reputation as a dermatopathologist.
Shearer, D.H. (2020) Dermatohistopathology. Chapter in: Manual of Small Animal Dermatology, 4th Edition. BSAVA Publications.
Dobson J and Shearer, D.H. (2020) An approach to nodules and draining tracts. Chapter in: Manual of Small Animal Dermatology. 4th Edition. BSAVA Publications.
Prior to attending vet school Debra achieved a BSc from University of London in combined science and worked in the NHS as medical laboratory scientific officer and in Xenova drug discovery ltd. She graduated with distinction in veterinary medicine and surgery from the University of Edinburgh and went on to complete an internship at the RVC in Equine medicine and surgery. After a few years in first opinion and referral Equine Practice, during which time she attained a Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia, she undertook a residency in Veterinary Pathology at the University of Bristol in 2001. This was followed by a clinical fellowship in Veterinary pathology in 2004, and in 2005, was awarded the Diploma of the Royal College of Pathologists. She has been awarded Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2006 and subsequently Fellowship. She is an RCVS recognised Specialist in veterinary pathology; a senior examiner for the Royal College of Pathologists and was a member of the Standing Advisory Committee for Veterinary Pathology at the Royal College of Pathologists. In 2016 she joined Abbey veterinary services as an anatomic pathologist, and in 2018 moved to Finn Pathologists in order to work digitally, and joined the equine histopathology team. Her main professional interest lies in equine pathology, with extensive experience of both post mortem examination and microscopical examination of equine submissions. She also breeds, trains and competes her own dressage horses, and has competed at several National Championships.
“Candida parapsilosis complex infection in a cutaneous lesion from a dog: Spotlight on an opportunistic pathogen of potential increasing importance” Skeldon N, Dobromylskyj M, Fews D, Hayden W. Vet Clin Pathol. 2020 Dec;49(4):655-659. doi: 10.1111/vcp.12924.
“Teaching Veterinary Histopathology: A Comparison of Microscopy and Digital Slides” Brown PJ, Fews D, Bell NJ. J Vet Med Educ. 2016 Spring;43(1):13-20. doi: 10.3138/jvme.0315-035R1.
Jan Harm Vorster (Vossie) qualified from the Veterinary Faculty, Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria in 1986. Shortly afterwards he joined the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute, at the Pathology Section, where he participated in applied research and diagnostic pathology. In 2002, he obtained his master’s degree (MMedVetPath) with specialization in anatomical pathology. As thesis he studied the sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry staining for the diagnosis of Maedi Visna in naturally infected sheep in South Africa. Following his time at Onderstepoort he joined a private veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa, where, apart from diagnostic work he was actively and keenly involved in publishing of CPD articles. In 2017 he joined Finn Pathologists as consultant. His main interest is diagnostic pathology and other interests include nature, wildlife, birding and camping/outdoor life. He shares his house with his lovely wife, and a boisterous Jack Russel terrier - adjoining a small conservancy with a few small antelope and wild birds.
“Adenoviral hepatitis in two Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) hatchlings from South Africa” Pfitzer, Silke, Keagan J. Boustead, Jan H. Vorster, Lizette Du Plessis, and Louis J. La Grange. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 90, no. 1 (2019): 1-4.
Katie worked in mixed and farm animal practice for 5 years after graduating from the University of Bristol. She completed a PhD at Nottingham Vet School, followed by an anatomic pathology residency with half her time based at Farm Post Mortems Ltd in County Durham, during which she was awarded a Masters degree for investigations into laryngeal chondritis in Texel sheep. Katie remained at Nottingham to set up a new farm animal pathology diagnostic service as a third party provider for APHA, before starting at Finn Pathologists in July 2021. Katie is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Pathologists and her main interest is diagnostic pathology of ruminants.
Busin V, Geddes E, Robertson G, Mitchell G, Skuce P, Waine K, Millins C, Forbes A. A Study into the Identity, Patterns of Infection and Potential Pathological Effects of Rumen Fluke and the Frequency of Co-Infections with Liver Fluke in Cattle and Sheep. Ruminants. 2023; 3(1):27-38.
Davies P, Strugnell B, Waine K, Wessels M, Cousens C, Willison I. To scan or not to scan? Efficacy of transthoracic ultrasonography for ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma screening in a large commercial UK sheep flock. Vet Rec. 2022 Aug;191(3):e1578. doi: 10.1002/vetr.1578.
Having always had a passion for horses and as an experienced rider from a young age, Maria Jose Pinilla qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Facultad de Veterinaria, University of Zaragoza (Spain) in 1994. She was awarded an Erasmus Grant to attend the University of Utrecht, gaining experience both in their busy histopathology diagnostic laboratory and in the post mortem room. Following this, she worked as a diagnostic pathologist for seven years at the Ministry of Agriculture’s main Diagnostic Laboratory (Algete, Madrid) where she was involved in the diagnosis of notifiable diseases and with the referral centre for Spongiform Encephalopathies. From 2006 to 2008 she worked in the UK as a diagnostic cytologist, before undertaking a residency in Anatomic Pathology at the Royal Veterinary College, which was supported by funding from the Horse Betting Levy Board. Whilst at the RVC, she also completed her Master’s degree with a research project studying catastrophic fractures in thoroughbred horses. Following a short period as a diagnostic pathologist at the Animal Health Trust, she then joined Finn Pathologists in 2013, where she covers both histopathology and cytology across a range of species, but with a particular interest in equine pathology and in musculoskeletal pathology. Whilst working for Finn Pathologist, she also completed a Bachelor in Arts and an additional Master’s degree (KCBrussels).
Dyson S, Pinilla MJ, Bolas N, Murray R. Proximal suspensory desmopathy in hindlimbs: Magnetic resonance imaging, gross post-mortem and histological study. Equine Vet J. 2018 Mar;50(2):159-165. doi: 10.1111/evj.12756.
Pinilla MJ, Tranquille CA, Blunden AS, Chang YM, Parkin TDH, Murray RC. Histological Features of the Distal Third Metacarpal Bone in Thoroughbred Racehorses, With and Without Lateral Condylar Fractures. J Comp Pathol. 2017 Jul;157(1):1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2017.04.002.
Dr. Melanie Dobromylskyj qualified from Bristol University in 2004, having also intercalated a BSc in Veterinary Pathology at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2002. Following a small animal internship at the Animal Health Trust, she completed her PhD in bovine molecular immunology at the Institute for Animal Health and the University of Cambridge in 2009, studying the receptors expressed on natural killer cells. She spent a year as a pathology resident at Glasgow University before joining Finn Pathologists in 2012, where she continued her training in conjunction with a part-time residency at the RVC. She became a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists in 2014 and an honorary lecturer in anatomic pathology at the RVC in 2015. In 2016 she became a RCVS-recognised specialist in veterinary pathology (small animals), and in 2020 a Fellow of the RCVS for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice. Her interests include feline pathology, immunohistochemistry, teaching and research collaborations. She shares her home with five cats, two pet rats and an elderly guinea pig, and her garden with six goats, eleven chickens and several thousand honey bees.
“Feline Oncogenomics: What Do We Know about the Genetics of Cancer in Domestic Cats?” Ludwig L, Dobromylskyj M, Wood GA, van der Weyden L. Vet Sci. 2022 Oct 4;9(10):547. doi: 10.3390/vetsci9100547.
“Prognostic factors and proposed grading system for cutaneous and subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas in cats, based on a retrospective study” Dobromylskyj MJ, Richards V, Smith KC. J Feline Med Surg. 2021 Feb;23(2):168-174. doi: 10.1177/1098612X20942393.
Nick Woodger qualified first with an honours degree in Animal Virology from Edinburgh University in 1989 before qualifying in Veterinary Medicine in 1994. Following a 5 year period in general mixed practice in Suffolk, he completed a research project on neuropathology in goats at the University of Cambridge following up with a residency in Veterinary Pathology passing the first part of the RCPath exam in small domestic Animals in 2002 and the second part in large domestic animals in 2005 becoming Member of the Royal College of Pathologists and subsequently Fellow in 2008. Nick leads the team providing histopathology for farm animal species at Finn pathologists and advises on bone pathology and immunohistochemistry within the team. Further interests include neuropathology, disease of pigs, deer and camelids and dermatopathology.
“Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Encephalopathy in a Pig” Vidaña B, Floyd T, Murphy A, Bidewell C, Williamson S, Woodger N, J Comp Pathol. 2020 Nov;181:58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.09.015.
“Hepatic lipodystrophy of Galloway calves” Strugnell B, Wessels M, Woodger N, Oliver LA, Raffan E, Genever L, Caldow G, Jones A. Vet Rec. 2015 Sep 12;177(10):265-6. doi: 10.1136/vr.h4835.
Richard is a graduate from Royal Veterinary College in London. He spent two Years in mixed practice followed by three years of post-graduate pathology training at the University of Liverpool. This was followed by a lectureship at the Department of Veterinary Pathology finally becoming a diagnostic pathologist in histopathology and cytology. He undertook an honorary lectureship at the University of Liverpool and became an EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Pathology in 2007 has been a member of the ECVP Examination Board. He is currently a diagnostic veterinary cytologist and histopathologist with specialist interest in dermatopathology, oncology and Artificial Intelligence.
Craig L, Fox R, Langohr I. Image Challenge: An Engaging New Feature in Veterinary Pathology. Veterinary Pathology. 2018;55(4):485-485. doi:10.1177/0300985818771148
Sionagh received her BVMS degree from the University of Glasgow in 1990. After 4 years in Yorkshire-based mixed practice, she undertook a PhD in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Edinburgh, focusing on epidemiological and pathological aspects of porcine proliferative enteropathy. Following a three-year residency at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Sionagh became a Diplomate of the ACVP in 2000. She remained in Philadelphia for an additional year then spent two years with Idexx Laboratories in the UK. In 2005, after a two-year spell as Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Sionagh joined the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, where she was Senior Lecturer of Veterinary Pathology and, latterly, Head of Pathology. In 2019 she spent a 6-month sabbatical in Australia, working with the New South Wales State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Sionagh’s main interests are pathology of companion animals (particularly small animal oncological pathology) and pig diseases.
“Review of methods for the detection of Lawsonia intracellularis infection in pigs” Campillo M, Smith SH, Gally DL, Opriessnig T. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2021 Jul;33(4):621-631. doi: 10.1177/10406387211003551.
“Lung injury caused by aspiration of organophosphorus insecticide and gastric contents in pigs” Hulse EJ, Clutton RE, Drummond G, Thompson AP, van Beek EJR, Smith SH, Eddleston M. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2022 Jun;60(6):725-736. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2028803.
Tom qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Illinois in 1992. He undertook further training in pathology at Louisiana State University, earning a PhD in 2000. He then worked for three and a half years as a pathologist at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory where he studied and passed board examinations becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. His professional interests include hepatic pathology and neoplasia.
“Gallbladder adenoma in a domestic shorthair cat” Broadbridge C, Taylor SS, Renfrew H, Gemignani F, Livet V, Vicek T, Dobromylskyj M. JFMS Open Rep. 2021 Mar 14;7(1):2055116921997665. doi: 10.1177/2055116921997665.
I graduated from the University of Glasgow as a veterinary surgeon in 2014, and following 2.5 years work in a busy small animal hospital, I undertook a further 3 years training in the field of toxicological pathology and started a residency in anatomic pathology at the Royal veterinary college in conjunction with Finn pathologists. Following completion of my residency in 2023, I now work full time for Finns and I am currently studying for my board exams with the American college of veterinary pathologists. I have a strong interest in most aspects of veterinary pathology and am always happy to discuss cases with the submitting clinicians. I deal primarily with small domestic animals but I have strong interest in exotic species, neuropathology, endocrine pathology, ocular pathology and infectious diseases and hope to develop these areas further. I have two very lovely pets at home, an English pointer (Tavi) and a very cuddly black DSH (Scarlett), who keep me busy in my spare time alongside my lifetime hobby – martial arts.
“A case of an intramural, cavitated feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia of the cranial abdomen in a domestic longhair cat” Davidson GA, Taylor SS, Dobromylskyj MJ, Gemignani F, Renfrew H. JFMS Open Rep. 2021 Feb 23;7(1):2055116921995396. doi:10.1177/2055116921995396.
Danilo graduated from the University of São Paulo in Brazil in 2008 and concluded residency training in veterinary pathology in Londrina State University in 2010, and has since been working mainly with surgical pathology (and cytology) of small companion animals. Danilo obtained a Master’s degree in Comparative and Experimental Pathology from the University of São Paulo in 2018, and moved to the UK the following year. Danilo became ACVP-board certified on 2021, and joined Axiom and Finn pathologists on 2022. He is involved mainly with cytology and histopathology of small animals, with a special interest in oncopathology, gastrointestinal/liver pathology and dermatopathology.
“Classification trees for the cytologic discrimination of fibroplasia and sarcoma” (but pending validation). Wasques DG. Vet Clin Pathol. 2023 Mar;52(1):8-9. doi: 10.1111/vcp.13179. PMID: 36897083.
“Liquid-based cytology and cell block immunocytochemistry in veterinary medicine: comparison with standard cytology for the evaluation of canine lymphoid samples” Fernandes NC, Guerra JM, Réssio RA, Wasques DG, Etlinger-Colonelli D, Lorente S, Nogueira E, Dagli ML. Vet Comp Oncol. 2016 Aug;14 Suppl 1:107-16. doi: 10.1111/vco.12137.
Joyce Bass qualified from Onderstepoort (Veterinary Faculty University of Pretoria, South Africa) in 1988 and shortly after joined the Pathology department at the University as a lecturer. She was involved in student teaching (under and post graduate) and routine diagnostics (biopsies and post mortems), at the same time completing a Masters in Pathology with a dissertation that focused on immunohistochemical staining (CD3 and CD79a) of canine lymphoma. She joined a large diagnostic pathology laboratory in the UK in 2001, doing routine histopathology from mostly first opinion vets, dealing predominantly with small companion animals, birds and a few exotic mammals. After a short period at a non-profit charity/Animal Hospital as Head of Pathology (Anatomic and Clinical Pathology), she joined Finn pathologists as an Anatomic Pathologist in 2015. Currently Joyce deals with biopsies (including post mortem samples) from predominantly cats and dogs, but also evaluate samples from chickens, birds and small “furries” (rabbits, guinea pigs etc). She has a special interest in ocular pathology and forms part of the Finn immunohistochemistry (IHC) team. Her interests also include gardening and reading. She shares her home with 3 cats, including an almost feral young cat called Percival.
“Genome-Wide Association Study of Golden Retrievers Identifies Germ-Line Risk Factors Predisposing to Mast Cell Tumours” Arendt ML, Melin M, Tonomura N, Koltookian M, Courtay-Cahen C, Flindall N, Bass J, Boerkamp K, Megquir K, Youell L, Murphy S, McCarthy C, London C, Rutteman GR, Starkey M, Lindblad-Toh K. PLoS Genet. 2015 Nov 20;11(11):e1005647. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005647.
“Aqueous humor from a dog” Ferreira H, Scurrell E, Bass J, Salmon K. What is your diagnosis? Vet Clin Pathol. 2019 Sep;48(3):484-486. doi: 10.1111/vcp.12741. Epub 2019 May 6. PMID: 31062397.
Currently living in Johannesburg, South Africa, I qualified from Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty, University of Pretoria, in 2008. I had decided during the course of my final clinical year, that I would like to pursue my interest in Anatomical Pathology and enrolled in my post graduate studies in 2009, attaining my MMedVet (Path) degree in 2017. From early on in my post graduate studies, I did part time work for private veterinary diagnostic laboratories in South Africa, and have always enjoyed the fast pace of private practice diagnostics. My special interest is for small animals, particularly neoplasia and dermatology, but I enjoy any challenge that is thrown my way! I have 3 elderly dogs, rescues from my student days, Penny, Sparrow and Milly, who I am absolutely devoted to and who usually share my office space with me while I work. Dogs are definitely my favourite animals and I will never be without one or two!