Samples to collect during necropsy

Samples to collect during necropsy

Recommendations for fixed tissue collection:

Tissue type Number of samples to collect (min)Tissue type Number of samples to collect (min) 
Tongue1Adrenal glands2 (both whole)
Oesohagus1Kidney2 (section from each)
Trachea1Urinary bladder1
Thyroid glands2    (whole or section both)Liver2 (from separate lobes)
Lung4    (different lobes)Spleen1
Heart1-2 (include all 3 walls)Stomach1
Thymus (if present)    1Duodenum1
  Pancreas1
Sciatic nerve1Jejunum1
Skeletal muscle2 (fore and hind limb)Ileum1
  Colon1
BrainWholeMesenteric lymph node1
Spinal cord  If relevant  
Bone marrow 1 (from femur)Reproductive organs1 of each (whole ovary)

Note: Ensure all fixed tissue is placed in formalin (ratio tissue:formalin must be at least 1:10).

Fresh tissue recommendations – if suspect poisoning/toxicity, vitamin/ mineral problem (place in separate yellow pottle): Fat, stomach contents, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle