LABORATORY - NECROPSY

LA33.1. The practice utilizes a written protocol that identifies when a necropsy should be performed and by whom, if they do not provide the service.

The necropsy protocol has several goals. At a minimum, the practice's necropsy protocol will:

  • Outline the criteria the practice will utilize to determine if a case is appropriate to be necropsied
  • Outline the method by which the practice encourages the performance of necropsies

Additionally, the practice may wish to include other aspects related to necropsies within the protocol. This may include issues such as:

  • Who will discuss necropsies with the client
  • When will necropsies be discussed with the client
  • Expenses related to performance of necropsies and submission of samples
  • Who may perform various aspects of the necropsy
  • The procedures and precautions followed during the necropsy

By considering their response to statements such as the following, the practice can devise its own necropsy protocol:

  • The practice will attempt to necropsy all patients, whether they died or were euthanized
  • The practice will attempt to necropsy only those patients that died, not those that were euthanized
  • The practice will attempt to necropsy only those patients who died unexpectedly
  • The practice will attempt to necropsy only those patients without an antemortem diagnosis
  • The practice will attempt to necropsy those patients who had substantial antemortem testing done (to validate the accuracy of those tests)
  • The practice will only necropsy those patients whose owners request a necropsy
  • The practice will encourage necropsies by training all team members in the importance of necropsies
  • The practice will encourage necropsies by educating clients in the importance of necropsies
  • The practice will encourage necropsies by financial incentives (only charging for laboratory submissions, etc.)

Example

The ABC Veterinary Hospital believes that necropsies are a valuable tool in helping the hospital provide the best medical care for its patients. Necropsies help us to confirm our clinical diagnoses and further our confidence in our diagnostic abilities. They provide a "gold standard" for us to compare with our clinical tests (physical examination, radiology, ultrasonography, etc.). They provide a final opportunity to make a diagnosis when one has not arisen antemortem. They also provide a final opportunity for our clients to see that we are striving to provide the most comprehensive care for our patients.

To fulfill our goals, it is our policy that we will request permission to perform a necropsy on all patients, whether they die or are euthanized. This request shall come from the attending veterinarian and occur prior to the actual euthanasia, if possible. In making the request, the attending veterinarian will explain the reason for the request, the benefits to the individual client, as well as the practice and other patients and clients. Prior to making the request, the attending veterinarian will consider the emotional context of the individual situation and decide if, in the veterinarian's opinion, the client is too distraught to make an informed decision. If the client is too distraught, then the attending veterinarian will use his/her best clinical and personal judgment as to whether or when a necropsy request will be made.

As a reflection of our belief in the human-animal bond, no necropsy shall be performed without the informed consent and permission of the client.

To encourage the performance of necropsies, The ABC Veterinary Hospital does not charge clients for professional services involved in the gross necropsy and collection of samples. If, in the attending veterinarian's opinion, the submission of samples for diagnostic tests will have a positive impact for the practice, or safeguard human or animal health, then such submission will be at practice expense. All other diagnostic submissions, including those made at client request, will be charged to the client.

The necropsy procedure, including closure, shall be performed only by the practice veterinarian. Members of the practice team may observe or assist in the necropsy, but the veterinarian has final responsibility for all matters related to the necropsy.

During every necropsy, it will be assumed that there is zoonotic potential, unless proven otherwise. Accordingly, the veterinarian and any assistants will wear, at a minimum, gloves, mask, eye protection, and a gown or apron.