Necropsy

Necropsy is a post-mortem examination of an animal's body to determine the cause of death or to study disease processes. This procedure is performed by a veterinary pathologist, who conducts a thorough investigation, including dissection and analysis of tissues and organs. The information obtained through necropsy is crucial for understanding disease outbreaks, enhancing animal health, and guiding veterinary practice.

Necropsy meaning with examples

• After the sudden death of the prize-winning stallion, the veterinarian recommended a necropsy to ascertain the cause. The findings revealed a previously undiagnosed heart condition, allowing the owners to take preventative measures for their other horses and maintain better health protocols on the farm.
• In a case involving a series of unexplained fatalities in farm animals, the veterinarian conducted necropsies on several deceased specimens. The results indicated a viral infection that was rapidly spreading, prompting the local agricultural department to implement quarantine measures to protect other livestock in the area.
• An unexpected death in the animal shelter prompted the staff to request a necropsy to understand what went wrong. The results indicated an outbreak of a contagious disease, leading to immediate vaccination for the remaining animals and an increased focus on overall health and hygiene in the facility.
• The research laboratory routinely performs necropsies on test animals after experiments. Observations from these examinations contribute significantly to the safety assessments of new pharmaceuticals, ensuring that any adverse effects can be documented and addressed in future studies.