Post mortem examination of broiler rabbits

1. Post mortem examination of
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