Anatomical Pathology
The Anatomical Pathology Service of the Hospital Clínico Veterinario at the Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera University provides veterinary anatomical pathology diagnostics for small and large animals, including companion animals, production animals, exotic species, and, in particular, horses.
This service brings together academic staff with extensive experience in anatomical pathology and is led by Dr Joaquín Ortega, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), having undertaken residency training at the University of California, Davis (USA).
Services
Necropsies
Necropsies are performed on companion animals, production animals, exotic species, and horses. Each case includes a gross (macroscopic) examination and a histopathological study. Additional studies (toxicology, microbiology, etc.) are not included, although samples can be taken and sent to other laboratories at the client’s request.
Biopsies
Evaluation of all types of biopsies (cutaneous, endoscopic, neoplastic, etc.). Upon request, a surgical margin assessment can be performed. For this purpose, the margins must be marked with specific dyes prior to fixation in formalin.
Special stains
We offer a range of special stains such as PAS, Gram, Ziehl-Neelsen, Congo red, among others. These techniques are useful for identifying etiological agents (bacteria, fungi, etc.) and specific histological structures.
Immunohistochemistry
A panel of markers for different cell types (cytokeratin, vimentin, CD3, CD79, etc.), particularly useful for the diagnosis of tumours.
Photography and imaging
Macroscopic and histological photography.
Scientific collaboration
Scientific research and publications related to submitted cases.
How to submit samples
Samples should be submitted to the Anatomical Pathology Service, together with the animal’s clinical history and the appropriate biopsy or necropsy request form. Submissions should include details of the conditions to be confirmed or ruled out, as well as any suspected cause of death (intoxication, trauma, infection, etc.).
Necropsies
- The carcasses must be kept refrigerated at all times and submitted as soon as possible for necropsy.
- A carcass intended for necropsy must never be frozen, as freezing and subsequent thawing cause tissue and organ alterations that hinder gross and histological examination and may prevent a definitive diagnosis.
- Necropsies on frozen animals will only be performed in exceptional cases, after discussion with the clinician or owner regarding suitability.
Biopsies
- Biopsy samples must be submitted fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin.
- The recommended sample-to-formalin ratio is 1:10 to ensure adequate fixation and preservation.
- If biopsies from multiple anatomical sites areas or tissues are submitted, they must be placed in separate, clearly labelled containers.
- Very small biopsies (e.g., gastric biopsies obtained by endoscopy) should be placed directly in a cassette lined with filter paper.
- Very large biopsies (e.g., an amputated limb, a whole spleen, etc.) are best submitted refrigerated and as soon as possible, as adequate fixation is difficult to achieve.
Our team
- LV, PhD
- DVM, PhD
- Técnico de laboratorio