June 2023
Newsletter Content
Did you Know?
Kord Animal Diagnostic Laboratory now offers after hours sample drop off. To drop off samples when the laboratory is closed, please contact the security guard upon arrival at the number posted on the door. General lab submissions such as swabs, tissues, blood tubes, and small (less than 100 lbs.) animals for necropsy can be stored in our afterhours lobby. Refrigeration space is available for those submissions, but we are unable to accept afterhours submissions of large animals. Required submission forms are available in the lobby and on our webpage. Please note that submissions without the required forms cannot be processed until the paperwork has been received.
Pathologist Spotlight | Millie Brookins, DVM
Dr. Millie Brookins is a Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist at the Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (KAHDL). She graduated from Central University of Venezuela’s College of Veterinary Medicine, majoring in Public Health, and was in the top 10 of her class. As part of her program, she received specialized training in epidemiology. After earning her DVM, Dr. Brookins completed her residency in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at the University of Georgia-Tifton’s Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory. There, she collaborated and assisted in research investigations in addition to her routine pathology responsibilities. She started at KAHDL in 2010 as a Veterinary Diagnostician and has served hundreds of veterinarians, producers, and companion animal owners. Dr. Brookins enjoys exploring and identifying mechanisms of infectious disease, and we are pleased to have her on our team with her detail-oriented approach and passion for swine diagnostics.
Give Us Your Feedback
KAHDL wants your feedback, comments, and reviews. The feedback link can be found on the final report email. Questions change monthly and we encourage you to comment frequently to help us improve services.
Anaplasma marginale Testing Now Available
Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by Anaplasma marginale, a bacterial organism that invades cattle red blood cells and causes severe anemia. KAHDL now offers PCR testing for this pathogen. Allowable sample types are serum in purple top (EDTA) tubes and certain fresh tissue including spleen (preferred), kidney, liver, or lung. Tissue must be at least quarter-sized.
Vet School Bound
Congratulations to Veterinary Pathology Technicians Kelcie Meador and Zack Palmer on their acceptance to Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, respectively. Both will pursue their interest in becoming a Veterinary Pathologist. Kelcie and Zack have attributed the experience and new skills gained during their time at KAHDL to their vet school acceptance.
Equine Uterine Swab Submission Guidelines
KAHDL offers a variety of diagnostic tests that may be used as part of the breeding examination of a mare. While this handout discusses bacterial culture, KAHDL also offers uterine biopsy services. When submitting samples for any type of culture, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure sample integrity is maintained during transit to the laboratory.
