Pathomorph. II - Necropsy

Question 1

The best time for necropsy is

Answer 1

immediately after death of an animal.

This is because post mortem processes of decomposition (autolysis) follow at a fairly rapid rate that obscures subtle changes in organs and tissues.

Also, post mortem invasion of the organs and tissues by normal microbial flora of the gut may make the isolation of the causative agent in question with difficulty or even impossible, especially in suspected bacterial infections.

Question 2

Place for necropsy

Answer 2

The place should have adequate light, water, ventilation, drainage, provisions for cadaver disposal, and provisions in lowering the chances of contaminating the surroundings.

Animals that died of suspected transmissible, zoonotic or exotic diseases require that the examination be done in a laboratory.

Exercise extreme care in selecting possible sites for necropsy, especially in the field. The selected site should be away from sources of feed, forage and water for the rest of the herd or flock.

Question 3

THE NECROPSY RECORD

Answer 3

Case identification
Owner’s identification
Specimen identification

Clinical history
Necropsy findings
Results of laboratory examination

Diagnosis
Examiner’s information

Question 4

Describing lesions, A. Solid organs:

Answer 4

A. Solid organs:

1) Organs/tissue involved
2) Position, relations, and involvement of adjacent structures;
3) Size and shape;
4) Weight;
5) Colour (shade, tint, hues);
6) Appearance;
7) Consistency;
8) Texture or intact and cut surface;
9) Odour;

best to keep the descriptions in as few but very descriptive words as possible.

Question 5

Describing lesions, B. Hollow Organs:

Answer 5

1) Organs involved
2) Appearance;
3) Texture of intact and opened surfaces;
4) Contents, which should be qualified as to:
a) Nature
b) Volume/Amount
c) Consistency
d) Transparency
e) Colour;
f) Odour.

best to keep the descriptions in as few but very descriptive words as possible.