Basics of Post mortem examination in broiler rabbits

1. Basics of Post mortem
examination in Broiler Rabbits
O.R.Vinodh Kumar
Division of Medicine
Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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).

6. 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.

7. General Post mortem examination format