Our Team

April Clarke

After studying Biomedical Science at Kingston University, I started my first role at Finn’s as a Histology Technician in August 2011. In March 2014, I was promoted to Histology Manager and subsequently General Manager in October 2021. I have a black Labrador called Ava – we both enjoy walks to the pub and snacks.

Susan Reeve

I have worked for Finn pathologists for 16 years. Starting out as a laboratory technician, I was promoted to laboratory manager and led the expanding microbiology team for 10 years. Wanting a change but not wanting to leave the company, I successfully applied to be Quality Manager and completed the CQI Practitioner Certificate in Quality Management qualification. I have a passion for both business and personal improvement so combine the quality role with one of education to help others grow. I am currently undertaking the CMI Level 5 Coaching and Mentoring course, unfortunately I can’t translate this into cat as it would be great to coach my cat to stop him scratching at the stair carpet!

Alison Howes

I have worked for Finn Pathologists since 2012 starting in the Sample Reception as an assistant working my way up to the role I now hold as manager.Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking our dog (Great Dane cross) Scooby and, in the summer months, paddle boarding.

Alan Huggins

I have a BA Hons in Business Studies and the company has supported me in qualifying to AAT Level 3. I have worked here in various roles since 2001, gaining experience in Diagnostic Support before moving into a dedicated Accounts role since 2007. I have a Cat called Angel and four chickens, all supposedly layers but one thinks she is a cockerel!

Caron Lewis-Timmins

I thoroughly enjoy my role at the laboratories and those clients I work with will vouch for that! I love to use my experience to support my field sales team to achieve the diagnostic service and solutions that are right for each individual practice or group we are given the opportunity to work with. Before joining in 2011 as Business Development Manager, I gained experience of the veterinary sector working in a variety of sales and business development roles at insurer Petplan.

Having competed horses for most of my “pre children” life, I still hold a strong love for horses. I have two wonderful boys who both race BMX, a hubby and, to complete my family, Gracie my beautiful mini golden doodle, Alfie the cat and Flat White and Biscotti the guinea pigs.

Lynsey Mackew

I have been working for Finn Pathologists & MiLab since the start of 2019 and I cover the South of England - Margate to Cornwall and everything in-between!

I have known my manager Caron for nearly 30 years as we previously both worked at Petplan and ran the Equine Department together. Having always been in the role of Business Development both from a management perspective and out in the field, I truly know how to look after our valued clients. I love my job - the best bit is getting out and about meeting all my lovely nurses and vets and I hope I bring a smile and a bit of fun to their day.

As well as a husband and two children, I have two horses AJ & Jaeger, my gorgeous Working Cocker Spaniel Wren, plus our tortoise Woody.

Elise Squirrell

I started at Finn Pathologists in September 2018 as a Trainee Laboratory Technician in the Histology Laboratory, having previously completed A-Levels in Maths, Chemistry & Biology. In the first few years, I trained through the various roles in the lab, progressing to Deputy Laboratory Manager and eventually Histology Manager.

Lynette Culverwell

Studying various science and management modules with the Open University, I gained a Diploma in Higher Education. With a background in histology, I joined Finn Pathologists in 2001. In this time, I have had a few roles, including Histology Lab Manager, Business Development Manager and currently Veterinary Team Administrative Manager. I love problem solving and very much enjoy the variety of my current role. I have two very mischievous cockapoos, Leia & Benji.

Nicola Guerin

I graduated with a BA in Hospitality management and have 20 years customer service experience in hotel, restaurant and veterinary fields. I have been working here at Finn since 2013. I currently have three pets, a 12 year old Crossbreed rescue that I brought home from America called Puppy and two guinea Pigs Dumpling and Theodore

Stuart Dallas

I have been at Finn since 2017 working in Microbiology, and as manager of that department since 2021, and I also spent some time before becoming manager taking responsibility for health and safety. I have a Degree in Zoology from Aberystwyth University. I have two golden retrievers, Jeffrey and Sally.

Samantha Lomas

I’ve worked here for 20 years – in histology for 6 years, micro/cyto for 1 year and Biohaem manager for 13 years. I’ve also gained experience in DS and postroom in that time, and completed 3 biology courses (certificate of higher achievement) with Open University. I managed the MiLab Technical Support team for 7 years and helped launch the onsite veterinary nurse training programme within that time. I have 2 ginger tom cats called Max and Bradley.

Rachel Millar

BVMS CertSAM MRCVS

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.

Elizabeth Normand

BVSc CertSAM MRCVS

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…

Ellie Mardell

MA VetMB DSAM (fel) MRCVS

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.

Frances Dunn

BVSc CertSAM MRCVS

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.

Jelena Ristic

BVetMed DSAM CertVC MRCVS

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.

Kathy Lunn

BVMS MS PhD FHEA DipACVIM MRCVS

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.

Simone Knudsen

DVM MRCVS

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.

Susie Kenefick

MA VetMB DiplECVIM-CA MRCVS

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.

Sheila Brennan

MVB, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS

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 Papakonstantinou

DVM FRCPath DipECVCP MRCVS EBVS and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology

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 Davies

BSc (Hons), BVetMed (Hons), MVM, MRSB, FRCPath, DACVP, MRCVS

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.

Viviana Le Donne

DVM MRCVS PhD Diplomate ACVP

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 Aworinde

DVM, MSc, MVM, FRCPath MRCVS

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.

Patricia Crosse

BSc, BVSc, DipACVP, MVetMed, MRCVS

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 Dickey

MS, BVMS (Hons), DipACVIM, DipACVP, MVetMed, MRCVS

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 Marshall

BVetMed FRCPath DACVP MRCVS

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 Sherry

BVetMed, DipACVP, MRCVS

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 Skeldon

MA, VetMB, DipECVCP, FRCPath, MRCVS

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).

Rémi Froment

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 Hanshaw

BVMS (Hons) Diplomate ACVP MRCVS

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

BVSc(Hons) MMedVet(Path) MRCVS, Anatomic Pathologist

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.

Selected publications

“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.

Michail Zavlaris

DVM, PhD, B&A (L2), MRCVS

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.

Alistair Cox

BVMS MSc MRCVS FRCPath

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.

Publications

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.

David Shearer

BVetMed PhD CertSAD PGCert (VetEd) FHEA CBiol FRSB DipRCPath MRCVS

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.

Selected publications

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.

Johan Vorster

BVSc MMedVet(Path)

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.

Publications

“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 Waine

BVSc MVM PhD DipECVP AFHEA MRCVS

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.

Publications

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.

Ladislav Novotny

MVDr MSc PhD DACVP FRCPath CertAqV DECAAH MRCVS American and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Pathology

Ladislav graduated from the Veterinary University in Brno, Czech Republic in 2001, followed by combined residency and PhD in anatomic pathology at the same school in 2004. Afterwards he became lecturer and in 2011 Associate Professor of Anatomic Pathology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Brno. Between 2010 and 2012 he completed MSc program in Aquaculture and Hydrobiology at Mendel University in Brno. Ladislav joined Finn Pathologists in 2013 and successfully passed board exams of Royal College of Pathologists in anatomic veterinary pathology and became FRCPath in 2016. Ladislav is a recognized specialist of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in veterinary pathology since 2020. Ladislav has interest in medicine and pathology of aquatic animals. He is a certified aquatic veterinarian and after completing of a board exam also a Diplomate of European College of Aquatic Animal Health. His main interest is a diagnostic pathology of dogs, cats and aquatic animals.

Publications

“Respiratory Tract Disorders in Fishes” Novotny L. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2021 May;24(2):267-292. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2021.01.001.

“The first report of meningitis in a Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus)” Barnett JEF, Novotny L, Astley K, Deaville R, Fox RI, Ham C, John SK, MacGregor SK, Perkins PJ, Tut G, Whatmore AM, Wessels ME. J Comp Pathol. 2023 May;203:31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.04.004.

Maria-Jose Pinilla

DVM MVETMED(Path) DipRCPath BA MA MRCVS

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).

Publications

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.

Melanie Dobromylskyj

BSc Vet Path (Hons), BVSc, PhD, FRCPath, FRCVS, RCVS-recognised specialist in Veterinary pathology (small animals)

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.

Publications

“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

BSc BVetMed FRCPath MRCVS

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.

Publications

“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 Fox

BvetMed DipECVP MRCVS

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.

Publications

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 Smith

BVMS PhD DACVP MRCVS

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.

Publications

“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 Vicek

DVM PhD Dipl ACVP MRCVS

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.

Publications

“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.

Gordon Davidson

BVMS DACVP MRCVS

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.

Publications

“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 Wasques

MV, MSc, DACVP

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.

Publications

“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.

Jeff Edwards

DVM, MPH, MRCVS, Diplomate ACVP

Jeff Edwards, DVM, MPH, MRCVS, Diplomate ACVP, is a 1979 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine in College Station, Texas. Six years of private mixed animal practice in Texas and the Marianas Islands were followed by a National Institute of Health (NIH)-sponsored Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Comparative Pathology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Edwards simultaneously completed a Master of Public Health (International Health/Zoonosis) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Hygiene and Public Health. He became a Board Certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 1989. Dr. Edwards’ previously held the title of Chief of Anatomic Pathology for many years of one of the largest veterinary diagnostic laboratories in North America and led a team of over 40 board certified anatomic pathologists. Expertise in small animal surgical pathology and client relationships are two subjects he feels very competent in and genuinely enjoys. Dr. Edwards lives in College Station, Texas with his adoptee dogs and his apiary. His beloved daughter, Elena, lives in England.

Publications

“Peripheral neuroblastomas in dogs: A case series” Arena-Gamboa AM, Tanabe M, Edwards J, Storts R. Jour Comp Pathol. 2014;150: 362-365.

“A case series of thermal scald injuries in dogs exposed to hot water from garden hoses (garden hose scalding syndrome)” Quist, E, Tanabe M, Mansell J, Edwards J. Veterinary Dermatology, 1 Dec 2011.

Joyce Bass

BVSc (Pret) MMedVet (Path), MRCVS

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.

Publications

“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.

Samantha Currie

BVSA, MMEDVet (Path), MRCVS

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!

Debra Fews

BSc BVMS Cert VA DipRCPath FRCPath FHEA MRCVS

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.

Publications

“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.

Cheryl Sangster

DVM MSc DipACVP MRCVS

Cheryl grew up as a farm girl on the Canadian prairies where she developed a keen interest in wildlife and biology. She pursued these interests, first by completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Her education culminated in Masters of Veterinary Science in Anatomic Pathology with a Wildlife Health Option, which uses the Canadian Wildlife Health Centre as a training ground for wildlife pathologists. Expanding on her training in marine biology, during her DVM and Masters degrees she pursued additional training in fish medicine and pathology and the University of Prince Edward Island and the Marine Resources Centre in Woods Hole, MA. Following completion of ACVP board certification in 2007, Cheryl moved to Australia to take up a position as Diagnostic Veterinary Pathologist at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. In 2015 she left the zoo to pursue a lifestyle change with her husband, splitting her time between Scotland and Australia. Since then, Cheryl has continued to work in various aspects of the fields of pathology and wildlife disease.

Jordan Mitchell

BVM&S MVetMed PhD DACVP MRCVS

I graduated as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Edinburgh in 2015 and then worked for a year in small animal first opinion practice in Suffolk. I returned to Edinburgh to complete a PhD in Clinical Veterinary Sciences at the Roslin Institute, working on multi-parametric diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of feline tuberculosis, followed by a short postdoc investigating avian intestinal immunity. I started my anatomic pathology residency at the Royal Veterinary College in 2022, where I also completed a Masters in Veterinary Medicine, and passed the ACVP board examinations in September 2025. I have a particular interest in ocular pathology, felines and small pet mammals, immunohistochemistry, and all things mycobacteria related.

Emma Stacey

BSc DVM DVSc Board-Eligible Clinical Pathologist

Dr. Emma Stacey was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree at McGill University in 2014, she returned to school and completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2022. She remained at OVC to complete Doctor of Veterinary Science degree and residency in clinical pathology in August 2025. When she is not working remotely, Emma enjoys travelling, spin classes, her husband’s cooking, and spending time with their son, three cats, and two dogs.

Morwenna Rodgers

BVSc DipECVCP MRCVS EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology

Morwenna gained her veterinary degree from The University of Liverpool in 2018, before returning home to Derbyshire to work with a variety of small and large animal species. She went on to complete her residency in veterinary clinical pathology at The University of Cambridge veterinary school in 2025, and developed a particular interest in cytology & immunophenotyping. In her spare time she likes to cook, enjoys music, and is kept busy by three dogs and an extremely ‘naughty tortie’ cat!

Tim Geraghty

BVMS MVM DipECBHM MRCVS

Tim is a 2005 Glasgow graduate and has worked as a farm animal clinician in a number of roles including first-opinion practice in Lanarkshire, as a resident and then lecturer at University College Dublin, as a lecturer at the University of Glasgow, and as a Vet Investigation Officer for SRUC Vet Services. More recently Tim has returned to a clinical role for two local farm animal practices as well as building a small consultancy business and farming part-time at his family home in Aberdeenshire. Tim is an RCVS recognised specialist in Cattle Health and Production, and a diplomat of the European College of Bovine Health Management.

Eleonora Petrelli

DVM MRCVS ECVCP Resident in Veterinary Clinical Pathology

Eleonora has been living in the UK for seven years during which she has worked as a first opinion veterinarian and has completed two internships. One as rotating intern at the Small Animal Hospital of the University of Glasgow and one in veterinary oncology at North Downs Specialist Referrals. During her career she has always been fascinated by the world of cytology and has recently started a Residency in Clinical Pathology at Axiom Laboratories. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, drawing, running, and doing Pilates. She also loves travelling and visiting new places.