Page 9 - Clinical Connections- Summer 2021

Pathology

“ONE PATHOLOGY” FOR CLINICIANS AND
RESEARCHERS: ALL SPECIES ARE EQUALLY

IMPORTANT

Lecturer in Comparative Pathology Dr Alejandro Suarez Bonnet, an RCVS and American Specialist
in Veterinary Pathology, talks about his expertise in histopathological diagnosis of domestic, wildlife
and laboratory animals, which supports the service offered by the RVC Pathology and Diagnostic
Laboratories team as well as his consultancy role in experimental and diagnostic pathology at The
Francis Crick Institute.

he first time I heard the term “One triggered by viral infection with an equine knowledge of cancer in animals, so we can
Health” was around 20 years ago papillomavirus, mimics skin cancer in provide an accurate diagnosis and, when
T when I started my veterinary degree. humans. We are currently undertaking possible, prognostic information that helps
It sounded intriguing to know that diseases further collaboration with researchers oncologists, other specialists and general
in wildlife, for example marine mammals and diagnosticians from the University practitioners to give better treatment to
such as cetaceans (whales and dolphins), of California, Davis, a specialist equine patients.
could give us information on the health referral hospital in Kent and an NHS
status of our oceans and ultimately the Consultant Eye Pathologist. Fig 2. A large cutaneous lesion in a pet
rabbit. Histopathology is essential to provide
environment. At the end of the day, who One recent area of research in which a diagnosis and the best treatment.
stops to think, “Is environmental pollution the RVC and The Francis Crick Institute
causing cancer and other diseases in have collaborated is in understanding
whales and dolphins?” With time, I became the genetic signature of tuberculosis-
interested in the comparative aspect of infected mice, which is a leading cause
diseases between all species, domestic of death in humans but also occurs in
and non-domestic, and realised that both almost all species, from dogs to cattle
veterinary medicine and human medicine and monkeys. This high-impact factor
should work more closely together for the research in collaboration with Professor
advancement of health science and for the Anne O’Garra’s group highlights the role of
benefit of all species, including humans, or veterinary pathologists in human medical
in other words “One Pathology”. research. Furthermore, because animals, domestic
and non-domestic, are subject to the same
Fig 1. Wildlife species are a key factor environmental and nutritional factors,
of the “One Pathology” concept.
The image shows a pilot whale studying naturally occurring tumours in
(Globicephala macrorhynchus) prior to animals generates an incredible opportunity
post-mortem examination. to help humans as well as other species.
In fact, animals may benefit first from
breakthroughs in cancer treatments, as has
occurred in the treatment of bone tumours
and skin tumours – such as melanomas.
The RVC’s Diagnostic Pathology
Service is keen to receive histopathological
samples, biopsies or tissues obtained
at the time of post-mortem examination,
from all species, domestic, laboratory,
wildlife and zoo animals from practising
veterinary surgeons, These are essential
for the training of our anatomic pathology
residents. Our turnaround time for all
routine samples is 48 hours from receipt
Comparative pathology of domestic, Naturally occurring cancers in companion of the specimen into the laboratory, and
wildlife and laboratory animals has animals are very common and an accurate the report contains a full ‘board-style’
always been at the centre of my clinical diagnosis is essential for the clinical histological description, diagnosis and
and research activity, and recently decision-making processes. Pet owners comment, which is tailored specifically to
the RVC team has published several seek the most advanced techniques the case. My colleagues and I are always
articles highlighting similarities between and treatments for their pets, which are keen to follow up cases over the phone or
the pathology of domestic, wildlife and frequently considered as another family by email.
laboratory animals. As an example, we member. That is why our group engages
have demonstrated that mucocutaneous with research projects that use diagnostic For the Diagnostic Pathology Service,
squamous cell carcinomas, a type of samples submitted to the RVC’s Diagnostic please call:01707 666 208
skin cancer, very frequent in horses and Pathology Service to improve our Email:
diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac.uk
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