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Necropsy is the post mortem medical examination of the body and its internal organs. Its purpose is to determine cause of death or to study pathological changes.

When an animal or group of animals dies under mysterious circumstances or is suspected to have died from an infectious disease or mass poisoning, a veterinary pathologist (often one who works for a government agency or university) determines the cause of death. The body is thoroughly examined externally and internally, and samples are subjected to close scrutiny (e.g. microscopic examination).

Many rehabilitators choose to perform a gross necropsy when a death does not seem related to a reportable disease or mass event. The body and organs are examined while tissues and samples are not necessarily tested further. Through visual examination of animals, we can learn much about both normal anatomy and causes of death, relating observed symptoms to physical changes.

Necropsy classes are often given at rehabilitation conferences and seminars. To learn more about necropsy, choose one of the following topics.

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