Necropsy

We accept fresh specimens for post-mortem examination as well as formalin-fixed necropsies (“necropsies-in-a-jar”). Please reach out to us about any special preparations needed if you are unsure.

We are trained to perform pathological evaluations on all species. We will happily accept dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and more! We accept bodies up to 90 kilograms and can schedule a field necropsy for larger animals.

No. We do, however, highly recommend the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine necropsy service for these types of cases. They have specialized training in forensic pathology and are best suited for these types of cases. For additional information, please visit their website.

The cost of the entire procedure (including necropsy and cremation) is determined mostly on the animals weight and type of cremation. We offer both private or communal cremation. Please email us at necropsy@nbvl.cc or visit our contact form to get an estimate.

The weight of the deceased animal is factored into the labor cost of our staff, supplies needed to perform the procedure, and the length of time for the procedure.

Private cremation ensures that the pet is cremated privately, and the ashes are returned to the owner(s) in a memorialized wooden urn. They will also receive a clay paw print and a small vial of hair clippings.

Communal cremation allows the animal or pet to be cremated with other angels. Ashes are not returned. This option is available for any species, provided they do not pose a zoonotic hazard. Memorial items can be purchased with communal cremation selection.

Postmortem examination is best performed within 24 hours of death. Ideally, as soon as possible. If you require longer, please store the animal in a COOLER, or in a sealed waterproof container with ice packs—DO NOT FREEZE.

Although freezing is not preferred, it is still preferred over allowing a deceased pet to sit at room temperature. Necropsy of a frozen animal will be delayed to allow warming of the body. Tissue freezing artifacts are also possible.

Yes, provided that each sample/patient has their own submission form and appropriately labeled containers.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 800-910-2888 or email us at necropsy@nbvl.cc

In some cases, a cause of clinical decline or death of an animal is not straightforward. In such cases, necropsy may be useful as the procedure to assist in determining causes of death. Causes can include infectious disease, toxicoses, inflammatory processes, congenital anomalies, cancer, or underlying physiological abnormalities. Postmortem examination is best performed within 24 hours of death. Ideally, as soon as possible, but with proper cooling of the body can be done later than 24 hours.

If available at your veterinary clinic, the best option is to store your patient in a refrigerated cooler. DO NOT FREEZE! If a cooler is not available, an insulated and sealable cooler or container (such as a plastic storage bin) with abundant ice packs is the next preferred option.

If you would like to move forward with an necropsy, please call us at 800-910-2888 to organize the next steps. Alternatively, you may also email us at necropsy@nbvl.cc and send any medical information that you may think is helpful.

The entire necropsy process can be labor-intensive as our pathologists take special care in thoroughly investigating every case. A preliminary call or email will be made within 48 hours of the gross examination. Please allow a minimum of 2-3 weeks for your patient’s final report to be released. If the case warrants additional ancillary testing (such as bacterial culture, virus isolation, PCR, or immunohistochemistry), the results may require a few additional days. The pathologists will be in communication with you throughout the process as results are available.

The final report will have a detailed description of the gross findings, morphological microscopic changes, a comprehensive comment, and professional-grade photographs of both gross and microscopic findings.

NBVL / CPADS offers cremation services through a locally owned cremation facility (Monarch Pet Memorial Services) and this service is calculated in the patient’s final necropsy cost. We pride ourselves on the delicate aftercare we have for our angels and believe they deserve only the best handling and treatment. Your client will elect Private cremation or Communal cremation for their pet.