On March 2, Jonathon Sago, DVM, DACVP, joined the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, as an anatomic pathologist, bringing years of diagnostic experience.
Originally from a small town in Oregon, Sago grew up around animals and developed an early interest in veterinary medicine. Today, that longtime interest has grown into a career of helping veterinarians, producers, and pet owners find answers through diagnostic pathology.
Upbringing in Oregon
Sago earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oregon State University in 2011, and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oregon State in 2015.
Although Sago planned to practice as a veterinarian, his specific interest in pathology took shape later, through firsthand experience working as a student at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
He began in the histopathology and bacteriology labs, helping with various tasks such as preparing media, but later, he had the opportunity to split his time with the necropsy section.
“Spending time in necropsy was what really got me interested in doing pathology,” Sago said.
These experiences gave him a closer look at how diagnostic testing helps answer important questions for clients and revealed a different side of veterinary medicine.
Following the puzzle-solving side of veterinary medicine
After graduating from veterinary school, Sago spent a brief time in mixed animal practice before deciding to pursue pathology full time. He completed a residency in anatomic pathology at Kansas State University and became board certified through the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2019.
Most recently, he served as an anatomic pathologist at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where he provided services through biopsy evaluation, necropsy, and collaboration with other testing sections.
For Sago, the appeal of pathology hinges on its investigative nature.
“I like the puzzle aspect of it,” Sago said. “I like the process of trying to figure out what has happened or is causing what is going on.”
His mindset continues to shape how he approaches both biopsy and necropsy cases. Whether a case is straightforward or complex, the goal is always to provide meaningful information that helps the submitter move forward.
Serving clients through answers and clarity
Sago said one of the most important parts of diagnostic work is helping clients attempt to find answers, whether that means identifying a cause for a problem, narrowing possibilities, or offering peace of mind.
“If they’re submitting something to you, they’re trying to get information,” Sago said. “Getting that for them is really important.”
Looking forward to collaboration at TVMDL
As he begins his work at TVMDL, Sago said he is especially excited to be part of a large, well-rounded team.
“One of the things that drew me was just how big the team was,” he said. “The collaborative environment where you’re able to bounce ideas off of each other was one of the biggest draws to the laboratory.”
Collaboration is especially meaningful in pathology, where shared experience can help strengthen case interpretation and deepen diagnostic insight.
With years of diagnostic laboratory experience and a passion for solving cases, Sago adds another skilled and service-minded pathologist to the TVMDL team.
To learn more about outstanding TVMDL staff members or the lab’s testing services, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call the College Station lab at 1.888.646.5623.
