GEOFF ORBELL The onset of spring often coincides with an increased number of dogs, cats and horses presenting with pruritus and secondary skin and ear infections due to atopic dermatitis or feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS). The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is based on history, clinical presentation and ruling out other causes of pruritus including […]
SUNAO FUJITA Clinical history A 15-year-old spayed female, domestic short haired cat presented with a large granulomatous-type lesion on the right upper lip. Fine needle aspiration of the mass and biopsy were performed, and the smears and fixed tissue were sent to the laboratory for cytology and histopathology. Cytologic findings Large numbers of round to […]
With the introduction of a new laboratory manager in our Dunedin laboratory in late September, we thought we’d take the time to reintroduce the entire laboratory management team. Auckland – Miriam Reddy Miriam has worked as laboratory scientist in medical and veterinary (haematology) laboratories in Auckland and the United Kingdom. She has worked in the […]
Congratulations to Dr Emma Gulliver, a Pathologist at our laboratory in Auckland, who recently became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. “Emma has joined a distinct group of around 2200 global members of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), known as Diplomates” says General Manager James Richardson. “The Diplomate is an […]
As mentioned in previous communications regarding changes to vitamin B12 testing, we are no longer able to reliably source the radioactive labelled Co57 required to carry out the RIA method for measurement of vitamin B12 in serum, plasma and liver samples. Extensive comparative testing has been carried out over the last few months and validation of a new […]
REBECCA ALLAN Clinical history An 11-year-old, female spayed, Shih Tzu presented at the veterinarian for a regular check-up. The owner asked for a recently discovered mass to be checked out. Palpation revealed a 12 mm, firm, subcutaneous, non-painful mass located on the left thigh. Fine needle aspiration of the mass was performed, and smears were […]
SANDY WELTAN The cat or dog that ain’t doing right. We all see those frustrating cases, slight lethargy, intermittent vomiting, abdominal pain, and non-specific abnormalities in biochemistry or haematology. Some may present acutely ill with jaundice and elevated liver enzymes. Tests for pancreatitis may or may not be positive and ultrasound may identify abnormalities in […]
Brent Hananeia, manager of our Dunedin laboratory, worked his last day on Thursday 28 September, 2023. Brent has left quite a footprint throughout our network, and it’s sadly time to bid him farewell after 45 years in the lab. Brent started his career at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in 1978 at their […]
One of our Auckland pathologists was recently trimming tissue from histology cases and came across this spleen. On the submission form the veterinarian had commented “apologies about packaging” but actually, it was exceptionally well packaged! It was encased in two sturdy plastic containers with lids that clipped down when pressed, cotton wool (not shown), adequate […]
We implemented our new call centralisation system in August with the aim that all calls to our network be answered promptly and to a high standard of service. Thank you to customers who provided feedback on how this change has met your needs since it was implemented. As a direct result of this feedback, we […]