Veterinary pathology

Veterinary pathologists are doctors of veterinary medicine who specialise in the diagnosis of diseases through the examination of animal tissue and body fluids. Like for medical pathology, veterinary pathology is divided in two branches, anatomical pathology and clinical pathology.

Veterinary anatomical pathology

Anatomical pathology (Commonwealth) or Anatomic pathology (U.S.) is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the gross, microscopic, and molecular examination of organs, tissues, and whole bodies (autopsy). The American College of Veterinary Pathologists certifies veterinary pathologists.

Veterinary clinical pathology

Clinical pathology is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, using the tools of chemistry, microbiology, hematology and molecular pathology. The American College of Veterinary Pathologists certifies veterinary clinical pathologists. Their credential, DACVP (Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists) is usually followed by a parenthetical notation of "(Clinical Pathology)" to distinguish DACVP counterparts certified for anatomic pathology. Veterinary pathologists are critical participants in the drug development process.

See also

• Pathology
• Medical laboratory
• Anatomic pathology
• Medical technologist