Introduction

The chapter introduces veterinary and comparative histology, describing the common methodology used to study the cells and tissues, from the preparation of tissues for sectioning and staining using classical histochemical dyes to the modern methodology used to mark pathogens, soluble factors, or nucleic acids. Description of the correct fixation and processing of tissues is included together with common pitfalls observed in the preparation of microscopic slides. Immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridisation, laser-capture microdissection, or digital image analysis are also described.