Avian necropsy??

[lickskillet]

Anyone ever had one of these done? My hen died tonight, just a few minutes ago, and I need to know how she is to be shipped to the University (different city). I knew it was coming, I just put off calling the University, to ask how things are done, you know cup half full....
I will call as soon as they open in the morning, I just want to have some idea as to what needs to be done. I have wrapped my hen, ISIS in two plastic walmart bags, as she won't fit into a gallon freezer bag, and put her in the freezer. Is this OK??? Thanks for any advice!!

I just want to find out WHAT was wrong with her... Thanks

 

[MikasGirl]

We just sent in our dead hen for a necropsy. There are 2.5 gallon ziploc bags. When would u be sending her in?

 

[lickskillet]

Tomorrow! I'll go out tonight and get the bags, if needed? Do I need to get special ice packs or anything? To keep her (fresh)? Thanks

 

[MikasGirl]

We live in Oregon, but it is probably the same there. Here is a link to our site on what you should do: http://oregonstate.edu/vetmed/diagnostic/client-guide

Here is what we did:

-Overnight we put Night in a ziploc bag. Then we put that ziploc bag in another ziploce bag. She should be on ice overnight so that the body is preserved.
-That next morning, we took the outside ziploc bag off because it was wet with ice and put a new one on her already bagged body.
-Then we put her in a plastic storage bin that we bought at the store. You are going to want to put layers of newspaper underneath the body.
-We then added some ice packs(don't use ice because it will leak) inside the container with her. (The body should be in a bag or it will become ruined)
-Then we put the container in a shipping box surrounded with layers upon layers upon layers of bubble wrap so that it was a tight fit. Keep in mind that you don't want too much movement inside of the box.
-Then we just shipped it.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Good luck!

-Cass

PS- We sent her from the post office.

 

[hinkjc]

I don't believe you should freeze them. I've heard they should only be refrigerated when going for necropsy, but the lab would be able to answer that.

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I was told not to freeze a bird that is intended for necropsy because if she died of a bacteria it could kill the evidence and you would never know for sure.

 

[MikasGirl]

I didn't mean to freeze the body, we were told to keep her on ice until we sent her body to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

 

[lickskillet]

THANK YOU!! That gives me something to go by!! I just took the hen out of the freezer and put her in the frig. I THINK it has something to do with being an internal layer, she hasn't laid for awhile, even though she never had the symptoms of being so, or anything else I could say "Oh that's what is wrong with her". So to be on the safe side, I HAVE to know, you know? Thanks again!!!!! I appreciate it!

Crossing fingers that it's not something more serious!!

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I wish you the best of luck, sweetie.

I am sorry you lost her. Keep us posted about how it goes.

 

[lickskillet]

Thanks Robin! I'm going to call when they open at eight in the morning. I have filled out the form they had on their website, I wonder how long it will take for them to find out something... This was one of my GOOD egg layers too (EE mix). And a real personable one to boot. As a side note, Little ROOROO (lol) your BC marans grandchick hasn't started to crow yet, my daughters are anxiously waiting to hear him! He's our ONLY roo!

Thanks for the good wishes, as soon as I get any info back I'll post it for all to read.