World Association of Veterinary Anatomists (WAVA)
Association Mondiale des Anatomistes Vétérinaires (AMAV)
Weltvereinigung der Veterinäranatomen (WVVA)
Asociación Mundial de Anatomistas Veterinarios (AMAV)

Featured news and events

The Zietzschmann-Preuss Award

Awarded anually for the promotion of veterinary embryological research.

For full details, please refer to the Zietzschmann-Preuss Award Website.

World Association of Veterinary Anatomists

Gheorghe M. Constantinescu 1932 - 2025

Professor Gheorghe Mircea Constantinescu, D.V.M., Ph.D., mult. Dr.h.c.

I was truly saddened to hear about the passing of Professor Gheorghe M. Constantinescu. It is difficult to find the right words when someone of his stature—and his kindness—is gone.

Professor Gheorghe M. Constantinescu (1932-2025) passed away today. He was a founding member (since 1964) of the European Association of Veterinary Anatomists, a member of the American Association of Veterinary Anatomists, a Vice - President of the World Association of Veterinary Anatomists, a member of the American Association of Anatomists, a member of the International Committee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature, and a member of the Editorial Board of Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria.

Those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, even from a distance, understood immediately that he was an exceptional person. His long and distinguished career, his dedication to teaching, and his remarkable contributions to veterinary anatomy made him a reference for our entire community. But beyond his achievements, what stood out most was his generosity, his patience, and the genuine warmth with which he treated people.

Professor Constantinescu touched many lives, and I know his influence will remain with us for a long time. His work, his ideas, and the way he approached our profession will continue to guide future generations.

Best wishes,
Prof. Dr. William Pérez,
President, WAVA,
Editor-in-Chief, AHE (Wiley)

Obituary for Professor Gheorghe Mircea Constantinescu.

WAVA is an international association representing and promoting all aspects of veterinary anatomy. It's objectives include to amalgamate those working physically or theoretically in any field of domestic animal anatomy, be it gross, microscopic or ultrastructural; to encourage the study of domestic animal anatomy; to promote research and dissemination of new knowledge of veterinary anatomy; to encourage the use of modern methods of teaching in veterinary anatomy; to promote better knowledge of anatomy in applied science and to encourage exchange of information and contacts with all interested persons and organizations. In particular, it encourages active collaboration with the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (human anatomy) and the World Veterinary Association.

As the umbrella organisation for the world's veterinary anatomy associations, WAVA has the responsibility for veterinary anatomical nomenclature. It has published, and regularly reviews, volumes for gross anatomy, histology and embryological anatomy - Nomina anatomica veterinaria, Nomina histologica veterinaria and Nomina embryologica veterinaria. It does this through a series of international nomenclature committees.

Membership of WAVA is open to all who work in some way with veterinary anatomy. If this includes you, please consider membership. If you would like more information about WAVA or its activities, please contact the Secretary General.

Featured sites and publications

Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria
6th Edition – 2017

This edition harmonises the terminology of the NAV, NHV and NEV. These changes are typed in blue for easy identification. Note that this is a text-based version, not the illustrated version available in book form.

Download here (1.9MB)

Nomina Histologica Veterinaria
1st Edition – 2017

The Nomina Histologica Veterinaria (NHV) is a structured terminology of veterinary cytology, and general and special histology (i.e. microscopic anatomy). All the Latin terms are accompanied by English equivalents. Since this is a 1st edition, feedback is highly welcomed.

Download here (1.1MB)

Nomina Embryologica Veterinaria
2nd Edition – revised, 2017

This revised edition of the 2006 NEV attempts to eliminate discrepancies between the NAV, NHV and NEV. Alterations are typed in blue for easy identification.

Download here (254KB)

Kumar, M. S. A. A Regional Approach to the Dissection of the Dog, 2nd Ed., 2023

Please note the publication of three new textbooks in veterinary anatomy by Dr. M.S.A. Kumar and Dr. Balaji Ramanathan, of which this is the first.

For more details, please click on this link to download a flyer Dog Dissection

Kumar, M. S. A. Clinically Oriented Anatomy of the Dog and Cat, 3rd Ed., (2023)

This is the second of three new textbooks in veterinary anatomy by Dr. M.S.A. Kumar and Dr. Balaji Ramanathan.

For more details, please click on this link to download a flyer Clinical Dog Cat Anatomy

Kumar, M.S.A. - Equine Anatomy, An Essential Textbook (2023

This is the third of three new textbooks in veterinary anatomy by Dr. M.S.A. Kumar and Dr. Balaji Ramanathan.
This flyer has a QR code where you can access a sample chapter

For more details, please click on this link to download a flyer Equine Anatomy