Workshop on Liver Cytology With References to Its Histopathological Foundations

This two-day workshop focuses on the diagnostic potential of hepatic cytology in small animal medicine. While cytology is widely used in diagnosing neoplastic diseases, its application in evaluating liver pathology remains underutilized.

The workshop aims to:

• Strengthen understanding of primary and secondary liver diseases through cytological interpretation
• Improve diagnostic skills of experienced cytopathologists
• Provide tools for accurate reporting and clinical decision-making
• Correlate cytological findings with clinical, biochemical, and histopathological data

Participants will:

• Learn key cytological features of hepatocytes and biliary cells
• Perform microscopic examination of real cases, supported by relevant clinical data
• Compare cytological findings with corresponding histological slides and final diagnoses

Topics include:

• Non-neoplastic hepatocellular changes
• Inflammatory and chronic hepatic diseases
• Biliary tract disorders
• Hepatic neoplasms

Full workshop details: 

Meeting program

Lecturer

Dr. Carlo Masserdotti graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Milan in 1990. Since 1993, he has specialized in clinical pathology with a particular focus on diagnostic cytopathology, attending advanced training courses both in Italy and abroad. He has authored several scientific papers and delivered lectures at national and international conferences.

From 1998 onwards, Dr. Masserdotti has been a lecturer in cytology courses organized by SCIVAC. He served as President of the Italian Society of Veterinary Cytology (SICIV) from 2001 to 2004 and as Vice President of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology from 2003 to 2006. In 2005, he was recognized as a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP). He also earned a postgraduate specialization in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Brescia in 2008.

Currently, Dr. Masserdotti works as a consultant in anatomic and clinical pathology at IDEXX Laboratories. His research focuses primarily on the cytological features of spontaneous tumors and inflammatory diseases in companion animals, with a particular emphasis on hepatic cytology and histopathology.

He is also the author of the book "Canine and Feline Liver Cytology" published by Wiley Blackwell in 2023. 

Registration

*The registration fee includes coffee breaks, lunch, and the gala dinner.

The number of participants is limited to 15.

Registration is available until 30 September 2025. Cancellation with a full refund is possible until 30 October 2025.

After completing the registration, you will receive the payment details for the registration fee at the email address you provided. 

Registration is completed after confirmed payment of the registration fee.  

Organizing committee

• Assist. Kristina Tekavec, DVM, PhD
• Assist. Tamara Dolenšek, DVM, MVetMed, DACVP
• Assoc. Prof. Tanja Švara, DVM, PhD
• Assist. Sabina Šturm, DVM, PhD
• Assoc. Prof. Mitja Gombač, DVM, PhD

Venue

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a vibrant city where history, culture, and innovation meet. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, rich architectural heritage, and dynamic cultural scene, it offers the charm of a small town with the energy of a modern European capital. With over 50,000 students and a strong academic and research tradition, Ljubljana is also a hub of knowledge and creativity - an ideal setting for international workshops and scientific exchange.

The Veterinary Faculty of the University of Ljubljana is Slovenia’s leading institution for veterinary education, research, and clinical services. As a member of the University of Ljubljana, it offers accredited undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, and is recognized for its strong international collaborations. The faculty is fully accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), affirming its compliance with the highest European standards in veterinary training. Committed to excellence, it plays a vital role in advancing animal health, public health, and biomedical sciences both nationally and internationally.

The lectures will take place in the “Postgraduate Lecture Room” (Podiplomska predavalnica) located in the main building of the Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, at Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.

General information

Accommodation in the city centre offers good public transport connections to the venue.
You can take the city bus line 1 (direction DOLGI MOST P+R) and get off at the Gerbičeva bus stop.
 
For additional questions, please contact: kristina.tekavec@vf.uni-lj.si or tamara.dolensek@vf.uni-lj.si.