Owner Submitted Accessions
Only animals submitted for a legitimate diagnostic work-up will be accepted for necropsy. A professional necropsy requires taking steps to ensure detailed examination of the carcass. Key elements include: pertinent historical information, use of proper equipment and dissection techniques, collection of specimens for ancillary tests, and proper documentation of the final report. To minimize postmortem changes and maximize the finding of significant gross lesions, the necropsy should be performed as soon after death as possible. When a necropsy has to be delayed, the carcass should be refrigerated, but never frozen. Freezing damages the tissues at gross and microscopic level, making subsequent histopathology difficult. Prepaid necropsy fees include gross necropsy; histopathological, bacteriological and parasitological examinations; and incineration fees. Additional laboratory charges for procedures such as virological and toxicological testing may be required.
The incineration fee may be refunded in cases where a complete history is provided and our veterinarian determines that the carcass is of diagnostic value. We are not a research institution; therefore, carcasses are not used for any purpose except diagnosis. The laboratory is unable to return your animal’s body, tissues, collars, toys, beds, or coolers following a necropsy. We will provide, upon request, representative ashes of your animal after cremation. Private cremations cannot be performed by the laboratory.
Disclaimer for Owner Submitted Accessions
