Laboratory Departments

• Administrative Services provides administrative support for the diagnostic laboratory, including financial, clerical, information managment, supply/glassware and facilities maintenance support.
  • Narayan Paul, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM, Director, Professor
  •   Bailey Oliver, Assistant Director
• Bacteriology / Mycology performs a wide range of bacterial and fungal cultures, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, we also perform mastitis cultures, bulk tank milk testing, and a variety of special cultures including Johne's disease.
    Our Molecular Diagnostics laboratory performs DNA- and RNA-based PCR testing for the detection of pathogenic bacteria and viruses from clinical specimens as well as identifies virulence or pathogenic factors/genes in bacterial culture isolates.
  • Dr. Shri Singh, Head of Veterinary Microbiology, Professor
• Clinical Pathology is equipped with instruments that could be found in any human hospital for the purpose of processing blood and serum samples. Samples can be tested for red and white blood cell counts, liver and kidney function, and hormonal assays. BVC's sophisticated instrumentation allows the clinical pathology section to process hundreds of samples per day.
  
  
• Histopathology specializes in the preparation of normal and diseased tissues for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist. Techniques utilized in this section include tussue fixation, processing, microtomy, routine and special stains.
  The preservation of tissues in 10% neutral buffered formalin stabilizes tissue proteins and celular structure. During processing, the tissues undergo dehydration through gradient alcohols, clearing of the dehydrant agents, and infiltration with paraffin (wax). Paraffin holds the tissue, both cells and intercellular structures intact, allowing for uniform consistency during microtomy. We perform routine staining of 4 micron thick tissue sections with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E); this method demonstrates the nucleus, cytoplasm, muscle, and connective tissue. We use special stains to confirm abnormal growth, bacterial or fungal infections. A pathologist interprets and reports the results.
  • Dr. Johna Veatch, Head of Pathology, Assistant Professor
• Immunology Department includes both serology and virology sections, working together to support animal health through the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases.
  Serology section focuses on identifying antibodies in serum (the liquid portion of blood) to assess an animal’s immune response to specific pathogens The Breathitt Veterinary Center operates a full-service serological laboratory offering a wide range of diagnostic tests, including Agglutination, ELISA, Competitive ELISA (C-ELISA), Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID), Indirect and Direct Fluorescent Antibody (IFA/FA), Hemagglutination (HA), and Indirect Hemagglutination (IHA). The serology section processes over 100,000 blood samples each year.
  Virology section specializes in detecting viruses that cause disease in animals, using methods such as virus isolation, virus neutralization, and fluorescent antibody testing. While virus isolation may take up to three weeks, it remains a gold standard for viral diagnosis.
  Together, the serology and virology sections provide accurate and timely diagnostic testing for a wide range of viral diseases affecting livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. In addition to routine diagnostics, the department is actively engaged in viral research and infectious disease surveillance, contributing to early detection efforts and advancing our understanding of emerging pathogens that impact animal and public health.
  • Karen Salas Briceno, PhD, Head of Immunology, Assistant Professor
• Pathology, staffed by four trained veterinary pathologists, determines the cause of illness and/or death of an animal by performing necropsy examinations on animals submitted to the laboratory and by microscopic examination of tissue samples.
  While performing a necropsy examination, the pathologist collects appropriate tissue samples to route to various laboratory sections for further testing. The pathologist combines information from these tests along with gross and microscopic examination of tissue samples to determine the cause of illness and death.
  • Dr. Johna Veatch, Head of Pathology, Assistant Professor
• Toxicology provides an array of chemical analyses (pesticides, metals, mycotoxins plant alkaloids, etc.) primarily based on the needs of Kentucky veterinarians, agricultural producers, and pet owners. Our experienced personnel utilize thin layer and gas and liquid chromatographic procedures to identify, quantify, and confirm a variety of pesticides, feed additives, and mycotoxins in animal specimens and feeds. Atomic absorption spectrometry is used to quantitate metals in biological specimens from animals suspected of being poisoned. Atomic absorption and fluorescence spectrometers are also used to assess various nutritional deficiencies, including those involving copper, selenium, manganese, iron, and zinc. Various anions, such as nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, chloride and flouride are measured in water using ion exchange chromatograph.
  Additional support for pet owners and the livestock industry is provided through consultation with Dr. Ramesh C. Gupta, DVM, PhD, DABT, Professor and Head of Toxicology. Suggested testing procedures, sampling requirements, and interpretation of analytical results are routinely provided.
  Basic and applied research is pursued in the area of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Currently, this department is actively engaged in training graduate students.
  • Dr. Ramesh Gupta, Head of Toxicology, Professor