Diagnostic Services’ post-mortem service includes necropsy with gross examination, microscopic evaluation (histopathology) of the tissues and ancillary testing (bacteriology, virology) as deemed necessary by the pathologist. All domestic, wildlife, exotic and aquatic animal species may be submitted. Dead animals with minimal post-mortem decomposition or recently euthanized, moribund animals (livestock only) are the specimens of choice for submission. A complete clinical history must be included with all submissions.

Please note: Designation of special circumstances (legal or insurance cases) should be declared at the time of submission.

For more information regarding wildlife or fish postmortem service please see: Wildlife submissions, CCWHC Atlantic, Aquatic submissions

After-hours Emergency Service
After-hours emergency service is available on weekends and during University holidays by calling the Laboratory’s on-call student at 902-626-7737.

Herd Health Problems
In cases involving a herd problem, especially neonatal diarrhea, the best specimen for submission is an acutely affected untreated animal which is humanely euthanized just prior to submission. When the latter is not possible, the next best submission would be samples obtained by the submitting veterinarian at the time of field necropsy. Prior to euthanasia, collect blood in red top and lavender top tubes.

Centrifuge the red-top tube, harvest the serum and save in another tube. Perform a complete post-mortem and submit specimens for microbiology and histopathology as indicated. Submit these samples and a complete history to the laboratory.

Euthanasia Policies
Euthanasia of animals should be performed by the submitting veterinarian prior to submission.