Veterinary Pathology

It might be supposed, by the unthinking, that those whose chosen occupation is the study of disease and death would in time become callous and indifferent to life. On the contrary, it is more apt to lead to abhorrence of suffering of any kind and to a peculiar tenderness toward living things. In his difficult and often baffling search for the cause of disease by the examination of the dead body, by the microscopic study of the tissues, and by experimental reproduction of its processes in lower animals; the pathologist is laying the foundation on which its recognition, alleviation, or possible cure during life is possible. It is a task requiring optimism, patience, intelligence and self-sacrifice of unusual degree

Brazilian consensus for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs

Mast cell tumors represent the most common malignant skin tumor in the dog. This review outlines the incidence, etiology and clinical signs of mast cell tumors. Diagnostic tests, staging and treatments are also discussed. This study was performed by the Veterinary Oncology and Pathology of UNESP, Jaboticabal and the Service of Pathology Veterinary, of UNESP-Botucatu with the support of the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Oncology and the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Pathology

Observational Study Design in Veterinary Pathology, Part 1: Study Design

Observational studies are the basis for much of our knowledge of veterinary pathology and are highly relevant to the daily practice of pathology. However, recommendations for conducting pathology-based observational studies are not readily available. In part 1 of this series, we offer advice on planning and conducting an observational study with examples from the veterinary pathology literature. Investigators should recognize the importance of creativity, insight, and innovation in devising studies that solve problems and fill important gaps in knowledge. Studies should focus on specific and testable hypotheses, questions, or objectives. The methodology is developed to support these goals. We consider the merits and limitations of different types of analytic and descriptive studies, as well as of prospective vs retrospective enrollment. Investigators should define clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and select adequate numbers of study subjects, including careful selection of the most appropriate controls. Studies of causality must consider the temporal relationships between variables and the advantages of measuring incident cases rather than prevalent cases. Investigators must consider unique aspects of studies based on archived laboratory case material and take particular care to consider and mitigate the potential for selection bias and information bias. We close by discussing approaches to adding value and impact to observational studies. Part 2 of the series focuses on methodology and validation of methods

Dr. John Kluge Retires

John Kluge, University Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Pathology, has retired from his position at the College of Veterinary Medicine. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by the faculty and students at Iowa State. Dr. Kluge received his B.S. (agriculture) and D.V.M. from the University of Missouri, his M.S. from Iowa State, and his Ph.D. in pathology from George Washington University in Washington, D.C

Elements of Good Training in Anatomic Pathology

The American College of Veterinary Pathologists’ (ACVP’s) 2007–2012 strategic plan recognized the crisis confronting academic training programs and formed a task force to address these concerns. One area of concern identified by the ACVP Training Program Development Task Force was the lack of guidelines to make training more consistent across all programs and provide justification for maintaining or increasing faculty numbers and training resources. Training guidelines for clinical pathology have been outlined in three publications.1,2,4 The current document addresses the need for training guidelines in veterinary anatomic pathology