IDEXX pathology services. Make confident decisions, faster.

Alan Julian BVSc DipACVP

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Anatomic Pathology

Alan graduated from Massey University in 1974, worked for a short period at the Wanganui Veterinary Club, and then took the position of Veterinary Investigation Officer at the Wallaceville Animal Health Reference Laboratory. This period included one year on exchange to the Regional Animal Health Laboratory, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and four months at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. In 1985 Alan became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

In 1986 Alan transferred to the Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory. He remained there during the transition from a MAF-owned laboratory to AgriQuality.

He then moved to a commercial veterinary laboratory based in Hamilton where he worked until 2013. Alan joined NZVP in February 2014 and continued with IDEXX when they purchased NZVP in 2015.

Now working part time, his interests are large animal pathology, especially diseases of horses, neuropathology, and diseases of the foetus and placenta.

In his time away from work Alan works on vintage cars, looks after livestock on his small block, and plays trombone.

Dr Michelle Lewis BSc, BVSc, MMedVet (Anatomic pathology)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Anatomic Pathology

Michelle completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) at the University of Pretoria in 2006. After spending eight years in government roles involving import/export and quarantine services, as well as doing locums in private practices, she joined a diagnostic laboratory as a veterinary pathology consultant. Shortly after, she enrolled in the anatomical pathology residency program at the University of Pretoria and successfully passed the exam in 2020. After completing her research thesis on canine cerebral babesiosis, she received a master's degree in anatomical pathology (MMedVet) in 2023.

During her pathology career, she has worked as the resident wildlife pathologist at the South African National Zoo, at a state diagnostic laboratory, and as a lecturer at the University of Pretoria Veterinary School. Since moving to New Zealand with her family in 2021, she spent a short time working as a veterinarian at an export meat establishment. She joined IDEXX in February 2023. Michelle's areas of interest include the anatomical pathology of companion animals, marine mammals, and wildlife.

When she is not working, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks with her dogs, and camping.

Dr Thelma Meiring BA(SW), BVSc, MMedVet (Path), MVM, DipACVP, MRCVS

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Anatomic Pathology & Head of Anatomic Pathology ANZ

Thelma qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2002. She immediately pursued her interest in veterinary pathology and started as clinical assistant at the Pathology section of the University of Pretoria in 2003. She started doing locums for IDEXX, South Africa, during that year and became a full-time employee in 2005. She has done most of her training in pathology at IDEXX, which included surgical biopsies and postmortem examinations. She obtained her MMed Vet(Path) degree in 2011 and ACVP specialisation in 2014. In 2021 she completed a Master of Veterinary Medicine, including oncology, dermatology, epidemiology, and others through Massey University. Thelma relocated to the UK in 2012 and then New Zealand in 2016 where she is currently based. She reported cases for the UK until she became Team lead for Anatomic Pathology Australia in May 2021, sharing reporting duties with both countries. She became Head of Anatomic Pathology ANZ in March 2023, which she oversees remotely. Her special interests include oncology and bird pathology.

Dr Susan Piripi BVSc, PhD, DipACVP (Anatomic and Clinical pathology)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Clinical & Anatomic Pathology

Susan graduated from Massey University, New Zealand, with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science in 2003. She continued on to postgraduate study in veterinary pathology for which she was awarded a PhD in 2008 for characterising a new chondrodysplasia in Texel sheep.

Susan moved to the USA to complete a three-year residency at the Oregon State University in the anatomic pathology department. Susan was awarded the status of Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2011 after successfully passing the anatomic pathology board examinations.

She has worked as Head of Pathology for the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s pathology unit in Camden. She was one of their senior veterinary lecturers in veterinary pathology. In 2013, Susan helped facilitate the inaugural K9 Tactical Casualty Care Course at Camden Hospital. The course focused on helping dog handlers and defence force officers learn life-saving emergency veterinary skills.

In 2014, Susan joined the IDEXX team in Melbourne, primarily in a clinical pathologist role but soon incorporating an anatomic pathology caseload. In 2017, she transferred back home to New Zealand, and has since then been based at the IDEXX Palmerston North lab, operating out of the Massey University School of Veterinary Science. In 2021, Susan sat and passed the American College of Veterinary Pathologists clinical pathology board examinations, becoming one of the rare few awarded dual certification.

Susan is experienced in all aspects of veterinary pathology. She is passionate about providing excellent diagnostic service and enjoys working closely with other veterinary professionals in diagnosing and managing cases. Susan has a keen interest in pathology for companion and production animals, camelid pathology, and in particular bone/joint, skin, and eye disease.

During her career, she has co-authored and published papers in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal of Small Animal Practice, Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Ophthalmology, Australian Veterinary Journal, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, The Veterinary Journal, Animal Genetics, and Cartilage.

Dr Michael Hardcastle BVSc, MVStds (Hons), DipACVP (Anat Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Anatomic Pathology

A New Zealander, born in Dunedin and brought up in Auckland, Michael graduated Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University in 1999 and spent 10 years in small animal practice, both in New Zealand and in the UK. He completed a Residency in Veterinary Pathology and a Master’s in Veterinary Studies (graduating with First Class Honours) at Massey University before spending a year as a Visiting Scholar at Auburn University in the United States, culminating in passing the board examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and qualifying as a Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist in 2012.

After qualifying, Michael worked as a full-time diagnostic pathologist in Auckland, mainly focused on biopsy and postmortem cases from a variety of species. He also performed additional duties which included forensic services for welfare organisations, toxicological studies for industry, and research projects for academic groups. Michael commenced employment at IDEXX in 2024.

Michael's main interests in diagnostic pathology are the pathology of small animals and dermatopathology in particular, although he enjoys all species and likes to see a variety of cases – especially if they have new diseases! He has written several scientific articles with veterinarians about their cases.

Outside of work Michael has three children and myriad pets that keep him very busy! He enjoys taking part in a choir along with occasional dancing, cycling, and writing.

Dr Angus Black BVSc (Dist.), MACVSc (Path.)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Clinical Pathology

Angus, a Massey University graduate, has been involved in veterinary pathology for over thirty years, gaining membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 1995.

His career in pathology began in a regional government laboratory in Hamilton followed by several years at various veterinary diagnostic laboratories in NZ. A co-founder of New Zealand Veterinary Pathology (NZVP) in 2004, Angus and his fellow directors developed and grew the business over the following eleven years culminating in three laboratory sites across the North Island.

Angus has maintained a diagnostic role with IDEXX Laboratories following the purchase of NZVP in 2015. His skills primarily encompass clinical pathology although he also has a keen interest in production animal herd and flock health. This includes an emphasis on the laboratory role in relation to macro and trace element testing with an associated focus on virology, serology, microbiology, and parasitology.

Angus is an active member of the New Zealand BVD Steering Committee.

One of Angus’ career highlights was being credited with making the first confirmed diagnosis of bovine congenital erythropoietic protoporphyria in New Zealand.

Often resident in Fiji, Angus spends some of his spare time as a clinician for a local charitable clinic.

Dr Emma Croser BSc BVMS MVSt PhD MANZCVS (Path), DipACVP (Clin Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist

Emma graduated from Murdoch University and worked in mixed practice in both Australia and the United Kingdom for 7 years, completing a master's in Veterinary Studies in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery followed by pathology training at the University of Queensland and University of Melbourne. Emma’s PhD explored aspects of Hendra virus infection as a collaboration between the Monash Institute of Medical Research and the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory. Emma has over 20 years’ experience, and has worked in commercial pathology laboratories as well as academia, remains an adjunct senior lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia, has long been involved in examining for the ANZCVS; and has been President of the ANZCVS Pathobiology chapter 2020–2023. Her pathology passion is interpreting haematology and biochemistry profiles with an interest in biological variation and in keeping her medicine knowledge as current as possible with small animal medicine study as the two disciplines are closely intertwined and complementary.

Dr Philippa McLaren BVMS (hons) MVS MANZCVSc DipACVP (Clin Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Clinical Pathology & Head of Clinical Pathology ANZ

Philippa is the Head of Clinical Pathology ANZ at IDEXX, responsible for overseeing the team of clinical pathologists in both countries and is based in the Melbourne laboratory.

After placing first in class in her veterinary degree in Glasgow and following two years in practice in England and Western Australia, Philippa trained initially in anatomic pathology with a master's in pathology from the University of Melbourne before transitioning gradually to clinical pathology, and in 2014 she achieved her ACVP specialist qualification in clinical pathology. She is comfortable providing advice across all fields of pathology, though her particular strengths lie in small animals and exotics. Her interests include liver and spleen cytopathology and haematopathology, and she also has a strong interest in biochemical and endocrine testing and interpretation. She’s also published on a syndrome of chondrodysplastic calves during the last drought, among others. Her particular passion is teaching and sharing knowledge; she is proud to have introduced “consensus rounds” as a regular feature of the IDEXX team’s week for case progression, knowledge sharing and training, and oversees training of our clinical pathology residents.

In her spare time Philippa enjoys quality time with her four children and very tolerant cat, and gets out on, in, or under the water as often as she can.

Dr Jon Meyer BVSc, DVSc, DipACVP (Clin Path), MRCVS

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Clinical Pathology & Deputy Head of Clinical Pathology ANZ

Originally from South Africa, Jon graduated from the University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort) in 1996 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree. After graduation Jon worked as a locum in South Africa as a general practitioner for a couple of years. He was then offered a position at a small animal hospital in Wiltshire, UK, where he remained for 5 years in general practice. Jon has always had an interest in pathology, particularly clinical pathology, and when the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the Ontario Veterinary College arose, he and his wife Lucy moved to Canada for 3 years. At OVC Jon completed a Doctorate in Veterinary Science with a research project investigating lung damage caused by mechanical ventilation in rabbits, as a model for premature babies lacking surfactant. In 2006 Jon passed the American College of Veterinary Pathologist board exams in clinical pathology and is registered as a specialist in Australia and New Zealand. He has worked as a clinical pathologist for nearly 20 years at various diagnostic laboratories around Australia and New Zealand. Jon’s areas of interest include haematology, biochemistry, endocrinology, cytopathology, quality assurance, automation, and digital cytology. Jon and his wife have 3 young children and live in Raglan, New Zealand. During his time off Jon is seldom far from the ocean and is a keen surfer. In the summer months, together with his eldest daughter, Jon volunteers as a lifeguard patrolling Ngarunui beach in Raglan.

Dr Susan Piripi BVSc, PhD, DipACVP (Anatomic and Clinical pathology)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Clinical & Anatomic Pathology

Susan graduated from Massey University, New Zealand, with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science in 2003. She continued on to postgraduate study in veterinary pathology for which she was awarded a PhD in 2008 for characterising a new chondrodysplasia in Texel sheep.

Susan moved to the USA to complete a three-year residency at the Oregon State University in the anatomic pathology department. Susan was awarded the status of Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2011 after successfully passing the anatomic pathology board examinations.

She has worked as Head of Pathology for the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s pathology unit in Camden. She was one of their senior veterinary lecturers in veterinary pathology. In 2013, Susan helped facilitate the inaugural K9 Tactical Casualty Care Course at Camden Hospital. The course focused on helping dog handlers and defence force officers learn life-saving emergency veterinary skills.

In 2014, Susan joined the IDEXX team in Melbourne, primarily in a clinical pathologist role but soon incorporating an anatomic pathology caseload. In 2017, she transferred back home to New Zealand, and has since then been based at the IDEXX Palmerston North lab, operating out of the Massey University School of Veterinary Science. In 2021, Susan sat and passed the American College of Veterinary Pathologists clinical pathology board examinations, becoming one of the rare few awarded dual certification.

Susan is experienced in all aspects of veterinary pathology. She is passionate about providing excellent diagnostic service and enjoys working closely with other veterinary professionals in diagnosing and managing cases. Susan has a keen interest in pathology for companion and production animals, camelid pathology, and in particular bone/joint, skin, and eye disease.

During her career, she has co-authored and published papers in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal of Small Animal Practice, Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Ophthalmology, Australian Veterinary Journal, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, The Veterinary Journal, Animal Genetics, and Cartilage.

Dr Susan Piripi BVSc, PhD, DipACVP (Anatomic and Clinical pathology)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Clinical & Anatomic Pathology

Susan graduated from Massey University, New Zealand, with a Bachelor in Veterinary Science in 2003. She continued on to postgraduate study in veterinary pathology for which she was awarded a PhD in 2008 for characterising a new chondrodysplasia in Texel sheep.

Susan moved to the USA to complete a three-year residency at the Oregon State University in the anatomic pathology department. Susan was awarded the status of Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2011 after successfully passing the anatomic pathology board examinations.

She has worked as Head of Pathology for the University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s pathology unit in Camden. She was one of their senior veterinary lecturers in veterinary pathology. In 2013, Susan helped facilitate the inaugural K9 Tactical Casualty Care Course at Camden Hospital. The course focused on helping dog handlers and defence force officers learn life-saving emergency veterinary skills.

In 2014, Susan joined the IDEXX team in Melbourne, primarily in a clinical pathologist role but soon incorporating an anatomic pathology caseload. In 2017, she transferred back home to New Zealand, and has since then been based at the IDEXX Palmerston North lab, operating out of the Massey University School of Veterinary Science. In 2021, Susan sat and passed the American College of Veterinary Pathologists clinical pathology board examinations, becoming one of the rare few awarded dual certification.

Susan is experienced in all aspects of veterinary pathology. She is passionate about providing excellent diagnostic service and enjoys working closely with other veterinary professionals in diagnosing and managing cases. Susan has a keen interest in pathology for companion and production animals, camelid pathology, and in particular bone/joint, skin, and eye disease.

During her career, she has co-authored and published papers in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal of Small Animal Practice, Veterinary Dermatology, Veterinary Ophthalmology, Australian Veterinary Journal, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, The Veterinary Journal, Animal Genetics, and Cartilage.

Dr Michael Hardcastle BVSc, MVStds (Hons), DipACVP (Anat Path)

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Clinical Pathology

A New Zealander, born in Dunedin and brought up in Auckland, Michael graduated Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University in 1999 and spent 10 years in small animal practice, both in New Zealand and in the UK. He completed a Residency in Veterinary Pathology and a Master’s in Veterinary Studies (graduating with First Class Honours) at Massey University before spending a year as a Visiting Scholar at Auburn University in the United States, culminating in passing the board examination of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and qualifying as a Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist in 2012.

After qualifying, Michael worked as a full-time diagnostic pathologist in Auckland, mainly focused on biopsy and postmortem cases from a variety of species. He also performed additional duties which included forensic services for welfare organisations, toxicological studies for industry, and research projects for academic groups. Michael commenced employment at IDEXX in 2024.

Michael's main interests in diagnostic pathology are the pathology of small animals and dermatopathology in particular, although he enjoys all species and likes to see a variety of cases – especially if they have new diseases! He has written several scientific articles with veterinarians about their cases.

Outside of work Michael has three children and myriad pets that keep him very busy! He enjoys taking part in a choir along with occasional dancing, cycling, and writing.

Alan Julian BVSc DipACVP

Specialist Veterinary Pathologist - Anatomic Pathology

Alan graduated from Massey University in 1974, worked for a short period at the Wanganui Veterinary Club, and then took the position of Veterinary Investigation Officer at the Wallaceville Animal Health Reference Laboratory. This period included one year on exchange to the Regional Animal Health Laboratory, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and four months at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. In 1985 Alan became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

In 1986 Alan transferred to the Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory. He remained there during the transition from a MAF-owned laboratory to AgriQuality.

He then moved to a commercial veterinary laboratory based in Hamilton where he worked until 2013. Alan joined NZVP in February 2014 and continued with IDEXX when they purchased NZVP in 2015.

Now working part time, his interests are large animal pathology, especially diseases of horses, neuropathology, and diseases of the foetus and placenta.

In his time away from work Alan works on vintage cars, looks after livestock on his small block, and plays trombone.