Post-Mortem Exam

Question 1

why are PM exams done (3)

Answer 1

1. identify cause of morbidity and/or death in individual or groups of animals
2. collection of evidence as part of legal investigation
3. collect tissue or other materials during “herd health” investigations or from research animals

Question 2

what is the overall pathway for a PM exam

Answer 2

Question 3

how are lesions identified

Answer 3

1. normal for that species (breed)?
2. post mortem change? (ex. green discolouration of abdomen, rapid loss of rumen mucosa following death)
3. artefact (barbiturate crystals)

Question 4

how are lesions described (6)

Answer 4

1. location
2. distribution
3. size
4. shape
5. colour
6. consistency

Question 5

what are the steps in a PM exam

Answer 5

1. external exam (age, breed, sex, body condition, weight,

Question 6

what are the steps in dorsal recumbency exam (13)

Answer 6

1. External examination
2. Stabilise the body in left lateral recumbency – reflect right fore and hind limbs
3. Midline skin incision, mandible to pelvis. Reflect skin dorsally, leaving muscular body wall intact
4. Examine exposed peripheral lymph nodes
5. Expose abdominal cavity by reflecting abdominal wall ventrally
   a. Quick explore of abdominal organs – location, general assessment b. Check for fluid
   c. Check for bile duct patency
   d. Check portal vein / shunts e. Evaluate pancreas f. Evaluate adrenals
6. Check diaphragm and pierce
7. Open thoracic cavity
   a. Quick evaluation of heart and lungs
8. Remove abdominal organs and pluck (tongue to thoracic organs) separately
9. Evaluate individual organs, section appropriately and collect samples for histology
10. Collect bone marrow - femur
11. Open joints
12. Collect brain if requested
13. Collect spinal cord if requested