The Necropsy Process: A Collaborative Approach

Necropsies are vital in animal health diagnostics, providing insights that support better health management strategies. At Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Lab, necropsies play a critical role in assessing the health of an animal at the time of death, providing essential insights into possible causes such as trauma, infections, toxins, nutritional deficiencies, and cancers. 

However, it's important to recognize that necropsies are just one part of a comprehensive diagnostic process. Collaboration among veterinarians, animal owners, and our pathologists is essential. The history and context provided by veterinarians and owners guide our pathologists in accurately interpreting findings. Without this information, necropsy results could be misinterpreted, leading to less effective management decisions. 

When an animal arrives at our lab, the process begins with a thorough intake. Our Veterinarian Diagnostician collects detailed information from the clinic or owner, which is vital in guiding the necropsy and focusing on specific areas of concern. The animal is then carefully examined, both externally and internally, with tissue samples and other specimens collected for further ancillary diagnostics. 

Some diseases do not leave visible lesions to the naked eye or under a microscope. Conditions that cause organ dysfunction without altering tissue structure can be particularly challenging to diagnose. Additionally, the interpretation of lesions can be complicated by tissue decay after death or by handling practices like freezing, which may mimic or obscure disease-related changes. 

 Timely delivery and proper handling of the animal's body are critical for accurate results. Animals should be brought to the laboratory as soon as possible after death. If immediate transport isn’t feasible, the body should be kept cool to prevent tissue decay. Freezing should generally be avoided unless necessary, as it can create artifacts in the tissues that complicate the diagnostic process. 

After completing the necropsy and analyzing the samples, our pathologists compile their findings into a comprehensive report. This report is most effective when used alongside the veterinarian’s knowledge of the animal’s history, allowing for a complete and informed understanding of the health issue. 

It’s also essential to manage expectations regarding the timeline. While veterinarians and owners often hope for rapid results, the necropsy and subsequent diagnostic processes require careful analysis, which takes time. We strive to complete the process as efficiently as possible, but accuracy is paramount, and this requires a reasonable amount of time. 

We strongly encourage close collaboration between veterinarians and owners throughout this process. Veterinarians play a pivotal role not only in providing detailed and accurate information but also in interpreting the necropsy results within the context of the animal’s broader health. This collaboration is crucial for developing effective treatment plans, improving herd management, and ensuring public health, particularly in cases where zoonotic diseases may be involved. 

We encourage the submitting party to communicate clearly what questions they hope to have answered through the necropsy. For instance, we often receive requests to determine the cause of death in euthanized animals. By understanding these questions upfront, we can better assess whether a necropsy can provide the answers the client is seeking and manage expectations accordingly. 

In conclusion, while necropsies are a powerful diagnostic tool, their true value is realized through a coordinated effort among the lab, veterinarians, and animal owners. By working together and setting realistic expectations, we can achieve the best outcomes for animal health.