Morphological diagnosis in veterinary medicine has traditionally relied mostly on routine stains, such as hematoxylin and eosin or other histochemical stains (e.g. PAS, van Giesson). However, the level of specialization in veterinary practice demands more accurate diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been established as a solid and reliable methodology for both routine diagnostics and research activities in veterinary medicine. This technique has been used for diagnosing tumor types and infectious agents, as well as for the detection of immune complex deposition. The use of IHC, particularly for the classification of tumors and hematopoietic neoplasms and for the identification of infectious agents, has revolutionized histopathology. The major areas of utilising IHC in veterinary oncological pathology are the analysis of the intermediate filament characteristics of cells, proliferation markers, phenotyping of lymphoid populations. This technique is now being used to learn more about the behavior, prognosis and response to therapy of tumors in animals. The fundamental concept behind IHC is the demonstration of antigens within the tissue section by means of specific mono- or polyclonal antibodies. Although conceptually simple, the IHC methodology has become more complex as stringent goals of sensitivity and specificity are established. The major constraint on the use of this technique in veterinary pathology has been the lack of available specific antibodies. To overcome this drawback, antibodies which present cross reactivity with human and animal agents have been applied. The article briefly reviews the technical aspects of IHC and its application in veterinary medicine.
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