91°µÍø

We offer full diagnostic post mortem exotic and zoological services across UK to service requests from a wide variety of organisations including

• Zoological collections
• vet practices
• vet referral hospitals
• animal charities
• wildlife hospitals
• police
• research institutions

Which species does this post mortem service include?
The species we handle but not limited to

• small mammals (such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and rodents)
• birds (passerines, birds of prey),
• zoo animals (small species up to megafauna)
• reptiles
• amphibians
• fish

We can accept cases which are upto 1tonne in weight
We do not accept cases involving primates and marine mammals

Do you accept post mortem requests from animal owners?
All exotic animals submitted for post mortems must come from a referring vet – we do not accept them from the general public. The reason being is to remain independent and impartial. If the client is in dispute with their vet, we can liaise if required with a nominated third party vet. 

Do you process exotic animal post mortem cases where there are negligence concerns?
External veterinary practices may refer animals for necropsy where they require an independent assessment of unexpected patient death during treatment or to investigate apparent sudden or unexplained deaths. In the cases of potential prosecution for neglect, cruelty or malicious cause of death, our role as independent assessors will involve compiling legal reports and, in some cases, involvement as professional witnesses in court proceedings. A proportion of these cases require additional diagnostic imaging ahead of the necropsies.

What is the exotic animal post mortem submission process?
Please contact us BEFORE sending any animal for a post mortem.This enables us to advise you on packaging, transportation and co-ordinate delivery timings and logistics with you
All deliveries must be booked in advance and are accepted Monday – Friday during normal working hours (9.30 – 17.00)
Email: diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac..uk
Phone: 01707 666208

What happens to the exotic animal’s body after they have had a post mortem?

We are not permitted to return bodies due to Clinical Waste Regulations. We can however, release them to properly licenced agents or arrange disposal and/or cremation depending on your client’s wishes.

What does the price of the exotic animal post mortem include?
Prices are inclusive of:

• Preliminary report issued within 3 working days following the post-mortem examination
• All histology(including special stains)
• Bacteriology and tests deemed necessary by the pathologist.
• Final report within 4 working weeks

Prices are exclusive of any further tests including toxicology and services external to the 91°µÍø

These will be charged accordingly, subject to prior agreement with the referring veterinary surgeon.

Exotics and Zoological post mortem prices

(Last price update: 1^st August 2024)
Large animals (200kg+) £1500
Medium size animals (75kg – 200kg) £920
Small animals (10-75kg) £690
Extra small animals (under 10kg) £470

We can accept cases which are up to 1 tonne in weight

Service levels and turnaround times

A preliminary report will be issued within 3 working days following the post-mortem examination and then a subsequent final report is available within 4 working weeks.

Exotic animal postmortem preparation advice

For optimal preservation, we recommend the animal be sent as soon as possible following death. To preserve it, we recommend for it to be refrigerated. If there is to be a delay in submission, we would recommend that it be frozen to prevent decomposition.

Terms of business & Invoicing terms

/pathology-and-diagnostic-laboratories/terms-of-business

How to contact us

Email: diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac..uk
Phone: 01707 666208