Post Mortem

Question 1

What are all the names for a post mortem?

Answer 1

• Post Mortem
• Autopsy
• Necropsy

Question 2

Why are post mortems performed?

Answer 2

To determine the cause of death or disease of an animal

• Prevent rest of flock/ herd getting the problem
• Insurance (horses etc.)
• Unexpected death or unexplained illness

Question 3

What is important about performing a post mortem?

Answer 3

Be methodical

• Doesn’t matter how it is done but make sure you do it the same everytime
• • This minimises the chance of forgetting to examine something
• Examine all organs for lesions

Question 4

What happens if diagnosis is not obvious on gross post mortem examination?

Answer 4

Take histopathology samples to send to the lab to determine Dx

Question 5

What are histopathology samples?

Answer 5

Formalin- fixed pieces of tissue

- 10% [formalin]

Question 6

Where do you take histopath samples from?

Answer 6

• Take samples of organs with obvious lesions (if any)
• Always take lung, liver, heart and kidney samples
• Take samples of organs relevant to clinical signs
• Take representative samples - include some normal tissue on the edges of lesions

Question 7

When in doubt….

Answer 7

Take as many tissue samples as possible
- they can always be thrown out later!

Increased chance of getting a diagnosis!

Question 8

What is important when working with formalin?

Answer 8

• Use in well ventilated areas
• Wash spills with lots of water
• Make sure samples are securely packaged!

Question 9

How long does it take histopath samples to fix properly in formalin?

Answer 9

Variable

• Smaller pieces take less time
• 5mm fixture in 24 hours
• best for samples to be no bigger than 1cm 2 so it only takes 1-2 days for fixture

Question 10

When do you fix the sample in formalin?

Answer 10

Fix in formalin ASAP after death

If can’t do immediately chilling is better than freezing

Question 11

What is the ratio of tissue to formalin?

Answer 11

1 part tissue: 10 parts formalin

Question 12

What is important to include with your histopath samples?

Answer 12

• Complete labels
• Forms
• History

Question 13

What is the best type of container to send histopath samples in?

Answer 13

• Screw top lid
• Leak-proof
• Wide opening

Question 14

How long does it take to make a histology slide?

Answer 14

The whole process takes about 24 hours

Question 15

How do you document gross lesions?

Answer 15

Describe and Photograph them!

• decide what is abnormal
• Be concise
• Try to build mental picture for reader
• Describe individual organs before moving onto the next one

Question 16

What must you talk about when describing samples?

Answer 16

1. Location
2. Arrangement
3. Number
4. Size
5. Shape and contour
6. Colour
7. Consistency and Texture
8. Cut surface
9. Content
10. Odour

Question 17

What is important when photographing tissue?

Answer 17

Light
Aperture
Shutter Speed
Exposure
Lesion in centre (if any)
Focus on lesion
Include a scale