The student will gain exposure to the diverse aspects of diagnostic pathology and experience the day-to-day work of an anatomic pathology resident. The student will participate in gross necropsies, collecting and trimming tissue samples, and examining these samples as well as biopsy samples microscopically alongside other veterinary students, pathology residents, and faculty. The student will also participate in pathology rounds, seminars, and journal clubs. In addition, the student may self-study from gross images and slide sets.
The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) is affiliated with the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU-SVM), Baton Rouge, LA. LADDL is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) that offers testing of specimens from all species of animals, with the exception of primates. It services the people of Louisiana and surrounding states by providing animal disease diagnostic services to agricultural and general communities. In addition to its clinical diagnostic role, the LADDL provides surveillance and regulatory testing for emerging, endemic and foreign animal diseases. In addition, LADDL faculty members participate in LSU-SVM academic teaching, research and service programs.
The student will spend the mornings either in academic activities or assisting pathology residents with tissue trimming while spending the afternoons performing necropsies in the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Students are directly supervised by residents and faculty. Workdays (Monday through Friday) start at 8 AM and end at 5 PM or when the afternoon necropsies are completed.