We study the morphological and functional structure of normal and pathologically altered organs and systems and their morbid conditions and causative agents.  We support the delivery of veterinary care with state-of-the-art diagnostics and infection control.

In addition to undertaking key teaching activities and research, we also offer a range of high-quality diagnostic services through our veterinary pathology and microbiology diagnostic laboratories.

Our challenges

Veterinary pathology: study of the mechanisms of animal disease

We are investigating tumour markers in different animal cancers with the aim of refining prognostic and predictive assessment, or involving immunolocalisation of infectious agents in order to better understand the mechanisms of morbid conditions. These projects are in collaboration with veterinary school hospitals and external partners, and are integrated into our pathology residency programme.

Tissue and organs 3D modelling

Our anatomists and pathologists are actively involved in applying modern capturing, rendering and printing techniques to medical data and gross images, in order to obtain models to be used in teaching and research.

Pedagogical veterinary research

We have a range of pedagogic research projects under the auspices of the Liverpool Veterinary Education Research Group (LiVERG). Key areas of focus are clinical reasoning, student retention and progression, mental health and wellbeing, and assessment practices. The undergraduate and master's projects are supervised by LiVERG, and collaborations are ongoing with several other departments and institutions.

Veterinary forensic pathology

Our veterinary pathology group is at the forefront of veterinary forensic pathology in the UK and worldwide with a large caseload of forensic cases and extensive expertise in acting as an expert witness in court. This activity generates KE with prosecuting bodies and with a number of research projects aimed at increasing the accuracy of forensic veterinary pathological examinations.

Experimental animal models pathology

Collaborative research is constantly active thanks to the expertise of Board Certified Pathologists in supporting projects involving the morphological analysis of animal tissues as part of experimental procedures. This benefits also from the application of quantification techniques thanks to our DiMo lab capabilities.

Zoo animal pathology

We Investigate new and established endemic diseases in collaboration with the Chester Zoo veterinary team, to diagnose novel infectious agents and improve animal welfare by suggesting management changes. These zoo animal cases are also used for both undergraduate and postgraduate exotic animal pathology teaching by RVS-certified specialist pathologists.

Facilities

Virtual Teaching Suite

Veterinary Teaching Suite

The Veterinary Teaching Suite (VTS) has two rooms in which practical sessions can be taught, each of which has space for 85 students; these can also be combined into one large room with capacity for 170 students. The VTS is equipped with state of the art audio-visual equipment, including high-resolution cameras and displays. It has a fully-equipped clinical skills laboratory, where students can hone their skills in such diverse areas as bandaging, auscultation, and physical examination of their simulated patients.

Digital Morphology Lab

DiMo (Digital Morphology) laboratory

The DiMo laboratory is a fully equipped end-to-end facility to handle acquisition and processing of gross and histological images, including scanning, image analysis, deep learning and 3D printing of models. Image analysis of specimens with integration of artificial intelligence dramatically increases reproducibility of data and automation applied to research and diagnostics.

Departmental Leadership Team

Lorenzo Ressel

Professor Lorenzo Ressel

Head of Department, Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

Karen Noble

Dr Karen Noble

Deputy Head of Department (Anatomy and Physiology)

Dr Dorina Timofte

Dr Dorina Timofte

Head of Microbiology

DiMo (Digital Morphology) Lab

Watch our video to find out more about the DiMo Lab, a fully equipped state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research.

Accreditations and Partnerships

Athena SWAN Silver Award

We're proud to hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.