Dr David Shearer
BVetMed PhD CertSAD PGCertVetEd FHEA CBiol FRSB DipRCPath MRCVS
David Shearer qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1984. After a period in general practice he was at The University of Bristol Vet School for nearly 10 years as a Junior Fellow in Veterinary Dermatology, Wellcome Research Scholar and Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology. He has over 30 years experience of veterinary referral dermatology as well as over 30 years experience as a diagnostic pathologist with a global reputation as a veterinary dermatopathologist. He has a PhD in skin immunology and microbiology, RCVS certificate in small animal dermatology, was a RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal dermatology (2015-2019) and is a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists. David has coauthored a textbook on veterinary ectoparasites as well as writing published papers on skin immunology and pathology. He has lectured globally on dermatology, immunology and pathology. David continues to teach dermatology and dermatopathology. David was part of the management board of The International Society of Veterinary Dermatopathology (ISVD) for 16 years and President of ISVD from 2014-2018. David is a biologist at heart and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biologists. David works as a consultant veterinary dermatopathologist in the UK and USA (Innovative Vet Path). David also provides clinical support for Alison's referral dermatology work.
'A service for dermatologists and general practitioners who want a working relationship with their dermatohistopathologist as part of their team'
Vet Dermatopathology Service
VetDermPathology is a unique service for dermatologists and general practitioners wanting to have a working relationship with their dermatopathologist. Dr David Shearer offers a Veterinary Dermatohistopathology Service for Dermatologists and General Practitioners wanting him to additional support for diagnosis and management of skin cases. This service is available in two parts. Both parts of the service include a full dermatohistopathology report by Dr Shearer* including comments on clinicopathological correlation, review of clinical images supplied, review of laboratory results to date along with discussion and guidance on the possible next steps diagnostics and therapeutics as required. Clients may communicate by email or telephone.
1. NEW SAMPLES:
Submission of formalin-fixed skin biopsies for processing and reporting by David Shearer*. These can be submitted to Cytopath Ltd labelled 'VETDERMPATH FAO David Shearer Lab Code: DERMDS'.
This service with be reported and billed by Cytopath Ltd and is £145+VAT. See Cytopath Ltd for details of prepaid packaging and their other laboratory services.
*Samples may have an interim report if Dr Shearer is on vacation or unavailable but will be reviewed and updated by Dr Shearer on his return.
2. SLIDE REVIEW AND SECOND OPINIONS:
Submission of slides for a slide review and second opinion from previously prepared and reported skin biopsies please send slides (H&E and any other stained slides available (N.B. NO TISSUE BLOCKS) to Vetcutis Limited, Holly House, Station Road, Pulham St Mary, Norfolk. IP21 4QQ. This service aims to help with cases already biopsied, especially those being seen by referral dermatologists, where rebiopsy may not be possibe. Please complete the google form VetDermPathology slide review (or submit details and images to vetdermpathology@gmail.com)
This service will be billed by Vetcutis Limited and is currently £50+VAT.
For general enquiries by veterinary surgeons about the service please email: vetdermpathology@gmail.com
'After decades of reporting dermatohistopathology for vets, most of whom did not care who produced their reports, I decided it was time to offer a service for dermatologists and general practitioners who want a working relationship with their dermatopathologist. This is why I have started VetDermPathology and why this is not an ordinary diagnostic service.' - Dr David Shearer, February 2026.