Anatomical Pathology
The Cummings School Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CVDL) Anatomic Pathology Service offers high-quality diagnostic services, including surgical biopsy evaluation and post-mortem examination (necropsy). Four Anatomic Pathologists, board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, provide expertise in diagnosis of gross and histopathologic disease for all species including dogs, cats, livestock, zoo/exotics, wildlife and laboratory species. Pathologists have additional special research and diagnostic interests in cardiovascular pathology, hepatopathy, tumor pathology, neuropathology and gastrointestinal pathology.
As an academic institution, our pathologists are able to dedicate ample time to each diagnostic case, exploring deeper into diagnostic conundrums and pathophysiologic mechanisms than afforded to pathologists at high-volume commercial laboratories. Our pathologists are also deeply committed to training future veterinarians and specialists by teaching and interacting with DVM students, Clinical Residents, Clinical Pathology Residents and our newly re-invigorated Anatomic Pathology Residency.
How We Can Help You
Postmortem Examination (Necropsy)
A postmortem examination, known as an autopsy in humans and a necropsy in animals, is a complete examination of a deceased animal; starting with the naked eye (referred to as the gross examination) and then by looking at tissues under the microscope (referred to as the histologic examination).
A necropsy is commonly conducted to determine the cause or manner of death of an animal. It can also evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. This information can help provide closure to owners and determine if other animals may be at risk. It can help determine best treatment needs of other animals in the household or herd. Necropsy can also be used to learn more about disease and help clinicians better treat animals with similar conditions in the future. Finally, necropsy is a vital component of a veterinarian’s education and a required rotation for all 4th-year DVM students. By performing necropsies under the mentorship of our pathologists, students can learn about anatomy, pathophysiology and disease prevention and management, and apply this knowledge to their future practice.
CVDL does NOT accept requests for testing directly from animal owners. A licensed veterinarian or an official animal agency representative must make all requests.
Information for Pet OwnersInformation for Veterinarians
Legal and Insurance Necropsies
CVDL accepts necropsies submitted for insurance or potential legal reasons. An additional charge will be assigned to cover the added pathologist and administrative documentation requirements. While we accept and perform legal necropsies, please note that our pathologists are not specialized in veterinary forensic pathology.
Surgical Biopsy Evaluation
Tissue samples collected by clinical veterinarians are processed by our highly trained histology staff and examined by our Anatomic Pathologists, who are experts at diagnosing a vast array of conditions covering infectious, immune-mediated, neoplastic and toxic etiologies, among many others. An extensive list of available histochemical stains complements accurate and thorough diagnoses.
Specialized biopsy services
Specialized biopsy services including a standard panel of special stains are offered for core renal biopsies and liver biopsies. Specialized processing and standardized grading schemes are also provided.
Core Bone Marrow biopsies also receive a standard panel of special stains and are evaluated by our Clinical Pathologists, in conjunction with cytological smears.
Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemical services are offered through the Comparative Pathology and Genomics Shared Resource.
Slide Consultation
Our pathologists offer consultation on biopsies for which a second opinion is desired. These cases will be reviewed by multiple pathologists. Submission of at least 5 unstained slides is recommended. Please contact the lab to arrange submission.
Research Study Support
Anatomic pathology support is available for research projects through the Comparative Pathology and Genomics Shared Resource.
Faculty and Staff
Contact
For general information about our services, pricing and account set up, please contact the Pathology Administrative Coordinator at 508-887-4800.