Veterinary Pathology

Submit tissue, mass, fluid, or other samples for pathologist review and interpretation

Testing Capabilities

Pathology and Cytology Case Support

Histopathology

Submit biopsies, tissue samples, masses, and surgical specimens for pathologist review.

Cytology

Submit aspirates, fluids, masses, and cellular samples for cytology evaluation.

Dermatopathology

Submit skin, lesion, and dermatology-related samples for pathology interpretation.

Case Follow-Up Support

Get help with test selection, specimen questions, submission steps, and follow-up when needed.

Veterinary team examining a dog before pathology or cytology testing
Clinical Use Cases

When to Submit for Pathology

Submit tissue or biopsy samples when a mass, lesion, organ change, or skin disease needs histopathology interpretation.

  • 1

    A mass, lesion, or abnormal tissue needs histopathology review.

  • 2

    A biopsy is needed to evaluate inflammation, infection, or neoplasia.

  • 3

    A removed mass needs tissue architecture or margin context.

  • 4

    A skin lesion is unusual, severe, chronic, or not responding to therapy.

  • 5

    An organ or surgical sample needs pathology to guide next steps.

  • 6

    An FNA, aspirate, or fluid sample needs cytology interpretation.

Submission Checklist

What to Include With Pathology and Cytology Submissions

Complete submissions let the pathologist interpret findings the first time and avoid follow-up requests.

Signalment and history

Include species, breed, age, and sex, plus a brief history: duration, location, size, growth rate, and any prior treatment for the mass or lesion.

Lesion site and collection

Identify the exact anatomic site and how the sample was taken. For multiple lesions, label each sample to its location so the report stays matched to the patient.

Proper fixation

Place biopsy tissue in 10% neutral buffered formalin at about 1:10 tissue-to-formalin. Keep specimens thin enough to fix through, and never freeze tissue for histopathology.

Cytology slide prep

Air-dry cytology slides, keep them away from formalin fumes, and do not refrigerate unstained smears. Ship slides in a rigid holder so they arrive intact.

Related Tests

Pathology Test Codes

Common submissions include FNA cytology, biopsy evaluation, dermatopathology, fluid cytology, mass evaluation, and lesion review.

Use the B&L test menu to confirm test codes, specimen requirements, fixative and container, sample handling, and turnaround details before submission.

Search the Test Menu
TestCode
Cytology 1-2 days8000
Cytology - Fluid Analysis 1-3 Days8050
Dermatopathology 3-5 Days8020
Histopathology Complex, 1 Site 3-5 Days8011
View all 9 related tests
Lab Savings Review

See What Your Practice Could Save with B&L

Many practices save 15-30% a month on lab costs. Share your current lab setup, and B&L will review pricing, logistics, PIMS fit, contract timing, and next steps.

FAQ

Veterinary Pathology FAQ

What is veterinary pathology used for?

Veterinary pathology helps evaluate tissue and disease-related findings so veterinarians can better understand masses, lesions, inflammation, infection, neoplasia, and other clinical concerns.

What pathology samples can my practice submit?

Common submissions include tissue, masses, biopsies, fluids, fine-needle aspirates, dermatology samples, and related cellular specimens.

What information should be included with pathology samples?

Include patient signalment, clinical history, sample source, lesion location, collection method, and any relevant treatment or diagnostic history.