Two Specialised Paths

 

Veterinary pathology divides into two main branches — Anatomical Pathology and Clinical Pathology. Both disciplines share the same goal: understanding disease, but they do it through different lenses.

 

Anatomical Veterinary Pathologists

These specialists study the structure of tissues and organs to pinpoint what has changed physically. Their work involves examining biopsies, performing post-mortems, and identifying lesions caused by disease or treatment.

 

They:

• Conduct necropsies and histopathology examinations
• Interpret tissue architecture and cellular changes
• Determine causes of illness or death
• Support toxicologic and research studies

 

Anatomical pathologists work closely with diagnostic labs, government agencies, and research organisations. In facilities such as Glenside, post-mortems are central to their role, while laboratories like Clayton focus on processing tissue samples and providing offsite consultation for investigations.

 

Clinical Veterinary Pathologists

 

Clinical pathologists analyse blood, urine, and other body fluids to assess organ function. Their expertise helps veterinarians understand how an animal’s body is performing during life, not just what went wrong after.

 

They:

• Interpret haematology and biochemistry data
• Examine cytology samples
• Correlate lab findings with clinical signs
• Consult on diagnostic cases and test validation

 

As testing technology advances, clinical pathologists are increasingly needed to manage complex data, ensure test accuracy, and support research and development.

 

A Career That Blends Science and Purpose

Veterinary pathology combines investigative work with tangible benefits to animal welfare. Pathologists collaborate with veterinarians, toxicologists, and researchers to:

 

• Improve disease diagnosis and treatment
• Safeguard food and animal production systems
• Contribute to pharmaceutical and vaccine development
• Support public health through zoonotic disease monitoring

 

Beyond routine lab work, veterinary pathologists also mentor new scientists, publish findings, and play vital roles in regulatory studies.

 

Skills and Training

Pathologists typically complete veterinary degrees followed by specialist training and board certification through bodies such as the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) or European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP).

 

Key skills include:

• Sharp analytical and diagnostic reasoning
• Microscopy and digital pathology interpretation
• Strong communication for report writing and case consultation
• Ability to integrate scientific data with clinical context

 

Why Choose Veterinary Pathology?

 

• Impact: Every diagnosis supports better decisions in animal and public health.
• Diversity: Cases range from farm animals and wildlife to companion and laboratory species.
• Career Options: Roles span academia, government, pharmaceutical R&D, and diagnostic services.
• Scientific Depth: Pathologists stay at the forefront of discovery, connecting biology, technology, and patient care.

 

As diagnostic demand grows, opportunities are expanding — particularly for Clinical Pathologists, who bring advanced data and laboratory skills to balance growing workloads in multidisciplinary teams.

 

Closing Thought

 

For veterinarians who enjoy discovery, detail, and data, veterinary pathology offers a career of substance and purpose. Whether analyzing a blood profile or identifying tissue changes under the microscope, each insight contributes to better health outcomes across species.

 

If you are interested in a career in Veterinary Pathology or simply looking to change jobs in this field, then contact Steve at Predictus Search who will be very happy to help.