Special Veterinary Pathology

POST-MORTEM FOR SMALL ANIMALS - AN INTRODUCTION

Necropsy procedure in a dog

• Before necropsy, evaluate the clinical history of the animal to have an idea of what organs or organ system should receive particular attention.
• Although the examination of all organs and systems is recommended, prior knowledge of the clinical history serve as a guide in knowing what to look for and what specimens should be collected to confirm the diagnosis

Two methods are traditionally used in the necropsy examination of domestic animals

• Routine necropsy
• Cosmetic necropsy

Cosmetic necropsies are most often sought by the owner of companion animals, particularly dogs and cat owners.

The procedures for the routine necropsy examination of dead carcass can be conveniently divided into three major stages

• Dissection stage - consist of preliminary incisions to expose the various organs and body cavities for the examination
• Display stage - the stage where all organs are exposed but remained on their original position and relations
• Examination stage - the part of necropsy where specific organs and organ systems are systematically examined one after another