Getting the best results from veterinary histopathology

The use of histopathology in the clinical work-up of a case can often provide valuable information to help practitioners ascertain a specific diagnosis or guide the approach to treatment. Successful histopathology relies on appropriate clinical sampling and tissue preparation for laboratory submission, as well as good communication between the clinician and the pathologist. This article outlines the key concepts and practical steps underlying the production of a histology slide from a tissue specimen, and explains the role of the veterinary pathologist in providing a report based on evidence derived from examination of that slide, an understanding of which should improve practitioners9 confidence in the results of histopathology.