Veterinary dermatopathology: A growing discipline

Skin, our body’s largest organ, is the barrier that interacts with the world around us and is critical for homeostasis and social interaction from camouflage to attraction. It serves as a safeguard against infections and various forms of mechanical, thermal, physical, and chemical injury and as an indicator of systemic diseases. Dermatopathology, a discipline devoted to investigating diseases that emerge when skin becomes compromised, encompasses the study of a wide array of inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Veterinary dermatopathology, a relatively nascent subdivision of veterinary pathology and dermatology, is unique in its approach. By unifying clinical dermatology and histopathology, it systematizes skin diseases and fosters essential collaborative relationships between dermatologists and pathologists.

The establishment of the International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology (ISVD) in 2000 propelled the development of veterinary dermatopathology as a distinct discipline. The ISVD, committed to advancing veterinary and comparative dermatopathology, comprises individuals with a professional interest in the microscopic analysis of skin diseases. Currently, it boasts over 200 members worldwide, and membership is complementary for students and residents (https://www.isvd.org/isvd-membership).

Objectives of this special issue of Veterinary Pathology are the enrichment of the existing body of literature by incorporating curated review articles, exploring current trending topics in veterinary dermatopathology research, bridging knowledge gaps, and providing instrumental updates for practicing pathologists, making this edition a valuable resource. To fulfill these aims, the issue contains eight narrative review manuscripts written by experts, well-versed with the intricacies, challenges, and controversies surrounding the topics at hand. Alongside detailed discourse on these topics, the reviews provide tables, high-quality images, and discussions on relevant differential diagnoses to offer readers comprehensive and state-of-the-art information. The original research manuscripts span small animals, large animals, and exotic species, addressing autoimmune, infectious, proliferative, and alopecic diseases.

As we look to the future, the growth of veterinary dermatopathology relies heavily on residents and trainees embracing this captivating and evolving field. Hence, this special issue aims predominantly to serve as a resource for these colleagues and as an anchor reference during this era of swiftly transforming diagnostic techniques.

We wish to dedicate this edition to the pillars of veterinary dermatopathology, our mentors, who have played a substantial role in shaping and expanding this field.