During a necropsy, Anatomic Pathology Resident Dr. Maria Quinones holds the heart from a pig while Makenna Bailey, necropsy medical technician, takes photographic documentation. Fourth-year veterinary student Jonathan Dy, who was doing a clinical rotation through necropsy, observes. In the background, faculty, residents and students on necropsy rounds observe a canine necropsy from the gallery. Photos by Jens Odegaard.
Necropsy (animal autopsy) is one of the sections within the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University's Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine. We sat down with the necropsy technician team to learn more about their crucial role in helping animal owners and caretakers get answers.
Tell us a bit about the necropsy section. What does a typical day look like?
The Necropsy section is made up of three full-time employees and three student workers who are responsible for maintaining the lab space and assisting the anatomic pathologists and residents in performing necropsies. In addition to being the first (and sometimes the last) step of the diagnostic process, we play an important role in rabies and highly pathogenic avian influenza sampling, as well as collecting and maintaining teaching and research specimens for the college and lab. On a typical day, we spend a lot of time cleaning, maintaining instruments and equipment, assembling and recycling formalin jars, trimming in tissues for histology, restocking supplies, setting up necropsy cases for the day and ensuring that necropsies are completed as efficiently and safely as possible.
Necropsy Supervisor Sadye Steele and Brooklyn Boyer Capps discuss the day's cases.
How does a necropsy help veterinarians and animal owners? Why is it such an important part of animal health investigations?
Necropsy is an important step toward providing answers to grieving families about their deceased pets. It’s also essential for diagnosing the cause of death and preventing further loss of production animals. Necropsy is also instrumental for aiding statewide public health. We regularly collect tissues for testing for zoonotic pathogens, such as rabies, West Nile virus, highly pathogenic avian influenza, and occasionally the pathogens that cause diseases such as plague or tularemia.
What kinds of animals do you most often see for necropsy, and what are some of the more unusual cases you've worked on?
We see a mix of production and companion animals, in addition to the less frequent wildlife and exotic species. This includes cows, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, dogs and cats. We work with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, the Wildlife Safari and the Oregon Zoo, allowing us to see unique animals, such as porcupines, red pandas, black bears, lampreys, otters, pinnipeds, antelopes, cheetahs, dolphins and sharks. You name it, we’ve probably seen it!
Necropsy Medical Technician Brooklyn Boyer Capps enters the results of a necropsy into the medical information system.
What advice do you have for veterinarians or clients preparing to submit an animal for necropsy?
Give us a detailed, yet succinct history. This should include a clinical and treatment history, zoonotic concerns, chemotherapy status/history, euthanasia method (if applicable), and care-of-remains preferences. This information not only helps aid our diagnosis but ensures the safety of our clients and staff!
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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