At PALS Vet Lab, we provide a full diagnostic veterinary post-mortem service to veterinary practices across the UK, covering all species, from small animals and exotic pets to zoo animals, including primates. Whether you need a straightforward gross examination, or a comprehensive diagnostic workup, including histopathology, PCR testing, tissue cultures and faecal examination, we have a package to suit your clinical needs.
Our Veterinary Post-Mortem Service Options
We currently offer three levels of post-mortem examination:
- Gross Post-Mortem Examination – A thorough external and internal examination with a full written report, ideal where the cause of death can be established macroscopically. Tissue samples are taken for any testing that may be requested following the written report being received.
- Gross Post-Mortem Examination and Histology – Includes tissue sampling for histopathology, providing deeper insight where gross findings might be inconclusive.
- Gross Post-Mortem Examination, Histology and Microbiology Culture – Our most comprehensive option, with histopathology, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and yeast cultures, and antibiotic sensitivity testing where indicated. This option would be recommended where infectious disease is suspected.
Other tests, e.g. PCR testing or faecal examination, can be added on to each post-mortem option at a supplementary cost.
Routine cremation is included as standard, with private cremation options available on request.
Who Is This Service For?
Our post-mortem service is designed for veterinary practices that do the work for smaller zoological collections, wildlife centres and those treating small animals, including all exotic species, primates, and wildlife, where a diagnosis is needed post-death. Understanding the cause of death is important for disease surveillance, client communication, and identifying potential risks to other animals in a zoo, breeding collection, or household. Sometimes, a post-mortem examination can simply be needed for peace of mind.
In the UK, the zoo licensing act 1981, states that all animals in zoo collections must have a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of their death, and the absence of significant or notifiable disease confirmed. These records must be kept for 6 years, with the information used in the annual review, carried out to identify infectious disease and welfare trends. If post-mortem facilities are not available on site, then sending a carcass externally for independent examination is an ideal way to keep these records up to date.
What is involved in a gross post-mortem examination?
During a gross post-mortem we examine:
- The external carcass, looking for signs of injury, chronic disease, and identification of the body. We also assess the body condition, hydration status, oral cavity and look for any external discharges. These findings can tell us important information regarding the chronicity of disease and potential organ involvement.
- We then inspect the carcass internally, making notes following examination of each organ.
- We commonly start by examination of the thoracic cavity, or cardiorespiratory organs, followed by the abdominal cavity, or other organs within the coelom, and then open the skull to assess the cerebral tissue.
- We will take samples of fluids, e.g. a thoracic or pleural effusion, or urine. We remove each organ in turn and will take samples from most tissues, keeping some in plain pots for culture or PCR testing, and placing some into formalin to fix them, should histopathology be requested.
- We also collect contents from throughout the gastrointestinal tract should further testing be required.
How to Submit an Animal for Post-Mortem
Please contact us before sending any animal, so we can ensure the correct steps are taken.
We’ll advise you on:
- Correct packaging and preservation
- Recommended postal or courier options
- Weight restrictions that may apply
- Pricing for your chosen service level
- A post-mortem submission form is available on request from our website.
Why Choose PALS Vet Lab?
PALS (Pinmoore Animal Laboratory Services) is an established exotic veterinary laboratory based in Cheshire. We work with veterinary practices throughout the UK and are experienced in handling a wide range of species with the care and professionalism your clients deserve.
Get in Touch
To discuss your requirements or request a submission form, please contact our customer sevices team by calling 01829 781855, by email: sales@palsvetlab.co.uk