Articles - Veterinary Pathology Group

Histopathology

Histology Tips and Tricks: Sampling of the Hepatobiliary Tree

General Information Biopsy of the hepatobiliary tree is often required for investigation of hepatobiliary disease. Techniques for biopsy of the hepatobiliary tree include needle biopsy (Tru-cut biopsy), laparoscopic biopsy (cup forceps), surgical biopsy (i.e. wedge or guillotine biopsy), and liver lobectomy. Gall bladder sampling most often involves cholecystectomy, but incisional biopsies may also be taken….

Elizabeth Alloway

Board Certified Anatomic Pathologist

Case Studies Cytology

Case Study: 3-Year-Old Crossbreed Dog with a Cutaneous Mass

Signalment A 3-year-old male neutered crossbreed dog presented with a small, cutaneous mass located in the left axilla. The owner reported no noticeable changes in the dog’s behaviour, appetite, or activity level. Upon physical examination, the mass appeared raised, firm, mildly erythematous, and well-circumscribed, with no signs of ulceration. The dog did not seem bothered…

Annabel Travers

Resident in Clinical Pathology

Histopathology

Histopathology: Sampling and shipment tips and tricks

Corresponding to other laboratory tests, the quality of histopathology reporting is directly related to the quality of the sample received. This document will explain common pitfalls in sampling and shipment of histopathology samples to help you avoid introducing pre-analytical artefacts. Sampling In particular when taking small biopsies, even with careful sampling, crush artefact cannot always…

Elizabeth Alloway

Board Certified Anatomic Pathologist

Case Studies Histopathology

Cutaneous Sarcomas In Pet Degus

Introduction Neoplasia is considered uncommon in degus, with previous research indicating a low incidence in this species. A study by Jekl et al. (2011) found that only six out of 300 pet degus examined showed evidence of neoplastic disease. Among the reported cases, fibrosarcomas have been identified as the most prevalent cutaneous neoplasm, as highlighted…

Kerstin Erles

Board Certified Anatomic Pathologist

Diagnostics

Revolutionising Dog Gut Health: BIOME9 Microbiome Testing with VPG

Introduction Imagine walking your dog through a forest. The soil nourishes the trees, and the diversity of species creates a rich and balanced ecosystem. This harmony mirrors the gut microbiome of a dog, where each tree represents a bacterial species. A diverse and balanced microbiome ensures resilience, allowing the system to recover from disruptions. However,…

Fiona Gosling

CEO Boarded Clinical Pathologist (Maternity Leave)

Case Studies Cytology

Case Study: 15-Year-Old Domestic Shorthair Cat with Multiple Myeloma

Signalment A 15-year-old domestic shorthair cat, neutered male, presented to the clinic for evaluation of lethargy, weight loss, and reduced appetite. The cat had a known history of heart failure, which was managed with medication. During physical examination, mild dehydration was noted along with pallor of the mucous membranes. There was no evidence of lymphadenopathy,…

Annabel Travers

Resident in Clinical Pathology

Case Studies Histopathology

Case of the Month: Hepatocutaneous Syndrome in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Clinical history Chucky was presented to the primary veterinary care practice with a 1 month history of hyperkeratosis, crusting and erythema of the skin of all four paws. A previous canine biochemical profile conducted at VPG revealed significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and bile acids. A small liver was…

David Walker

Board Certified Anatomic Pathologist

Histopathology

Histopathology: Sampling and shipment guidelines

Corresponding to other laboratory tests, the quality and accuracy of histopathology reporting is directly related to the quality of the sample received. This document will explain common pitfalls in sampling and shipment of histopathology samples to help you avoid introducing pre-analytical artefacts such as crush artefact pictured below. Fixation Always use 10% neutral-buffered formalin (NBF)…

Annika Herrmann

Board Certified Anatomic Pathologist

News

The Veterinary Green Discussion Forum – Creating a Circular Economy

On June 18th and 19th I was privileged to represent The Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) at the Veterinary Green Discussion Forum. The meeting was held at the London Wetlands, a phenomenal site initially conceptualised by Sir Peter Scott. A genuine wildfowl wilderness on the South Bank of the Thames. The facilities there are fantastic for…

Andy Torrance

Board Certified Clinical Pathologist

Case Studies Histopathology

Case of the Month: “Yellow fungus disease” in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

A 1 year old bearded dragon developed chronic crusty lesions over the body, face and tail. Skin biopsies were taken and submitted to VPG Histology for examination. This revealed epidermal hyperplasia and prominent hyperkeratosis, areas of superficial epidermal necrosis and a mild inflammatory infiltrate within the epidermis and dermis. Faint outlines of structures suspected to…

Kerstin Erles

Board Certified Anatomic Pathologist