Gross Pathology and Post Mortem Examinations

Question 1

Gross pathology =

Answer 1

•Recognition + interpretation and description of macroscopic, morphological changes to tissues and organs in the live or dead animal at biopsy, surgical removal or post mortem examination.

Question 2

Potential outcomes of pathology. (4)

Answer 2

• 1). Definitive diagnosis based on appearance alone.
• 2). Determine potential problem(s) which may correlate with clinical signs and support a presumptive diagnosis.
• 3). Suggest pathogenesis or mechanism of a disease.
• Changes not distinct enough to establish a diagnosis ∴ further tests required.

Question 3

Antemortem =

Answer 3

•Before death.

Question 4

Agonal =

Answer 4

•At of around time of death e.g. shot = haemorrhage at site = agonal.

Question 5

Postmortem =

Answer 5

•After death.

Question 6

Terms that mean examination of body after death. (3)

Answer 6

• Post mortem examination.
• Necropsy.
• Autopsy.

Question 7

Why are postmortems performed? (10)

Answer 7

• Diagnosis of disease - was it correct, can you refine differential diagnoses, any other concurrent disease?
• Forensics - legal.
• Improve public health - surveillance e.g. roadkill - what diseases are out there?
• Treatment - clinical audit, why did treatment of clinical diagnosis fail?
• Insurance.
• Research.
• Sudden death.
• Herd, group or population health.
• Zoological collections.
• Obtaining samples for further testing.