Basics of Post mortem examination in Broiler Rabbits

O.R.Vinodh KumarDivision of Medicine

Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

• Post mortem examination (necropsy) is the most important procedure to find out the disease problem and can help in preventing the disease occurrence.

• Necropsy should be performed by a qualified veterinarian and proper samples should be taken for further diagnostic procedures.

Basic instruments and equipments

• The Necropsy should be performed in good sunlight and on a necropsy table. The necropsy table should have tapering to drain the blood and other fluids.

• Latex gloves, apron (lab coat), face mask and protective eye wear.

• A measuring tape or measuring metal scale• Small and medium sized forceps( Toothed, Serrated

and bone cutting)• Scalpel blades with handle• Small and medium scissors

Basic instruments and equipments• Sterile swabs• Sterile syringes• Normal saline for washing the bloody or soled

area.• Absorbable cotton or tissue wipe• Formalin solution• Waste disposal bin

Post mortem examination procedure

• PM examination rabbits should preferably be done immediately after death if there is delay the carcass should be stored under refrigeration at 4◦C (do not freeze the carcass).

Stepwise procedures• First examine the carcass externally for any abnormalities ( Wounds,

Discharges, Soiling of hind quarter, discoloration, abnormal masses, hair loss etc.,).

• After retracting all four legs, incise skin on ventral abdominal midline (from lower jaw to pubic area). Gently reflect subcutaneous tissues and muscles.

• Incise the abdominal wall using scissors and examine the organs ( Size, shape, colour, presence of masses etc.,) ( Liver: size, firmness and coccidiosis etc., kidneys: firmness and surrounding fat etc.,)

• Then incise the thoracic cavity by cutting the ribs and diaphragm, examine the organs for morphology. Examine the heart and pericardial fat. ( lungs- evidence of aeration, emphysema, petechiae and congestion etc.,)

• Abnormal fluids or secretion should be examined for bacteriology and culture.

• If any masses found it should be preserved in 10 per cent buffered formalin for histopathology.

General Post mortem examination format