Services at Necropsy Services Group

Performing pet autopsies for veterinarians and owners since 2008

At Necropsy Services Group, we provide postmortem examinations (necropsies) to help determine the cause of death, assess disease, or investigate injury or suspected cruelty. All examinations are performed by a board-certified veterinary pathologist.

Necropsy Examination

A complete postmortem examination includes a thorough evaluation of the body and internal organs. Tissue samples are collected for microscopic examination (histopathology), which often provides the most definitive answers.

Histopathology

Microscopic analysis of tissues allows us to identify disease processes that cannot be detected with the naked eye. This is included in most complete examinations.

Cremation Services

We can coordinate cremation upon request.

• Private cremation (ashes returned): typically $300–$450 depending on pet size.

• Communal cremation (no ashes returned): starting at $100.

Courier Service

Pickup may be available from veterinary hospitals and clinics in certain areas. Availability depends on location and business hours. Please call to discuss options.

Specialized Testing

Additional laboratory tests may be recommended or requested, such as:

• Toxicology testing (usually about $350 per test, depending on the laboratory)

• PCR testing for infectious disease

• Microbiology (culture and sensitivity)

• Radiology (e.g., suspected fractures)

• Immunohistochemistry

Who We Serve

We accept cases from veterinary hospitals, pet owners, animal control agencies, and legal authorities. Pet owner cases must be discussed with the pathologist prior to acceptance.

Service Definitions

Necropsy Examination

Dissection of the animal’s body to evaluate internal organs and identify signs of disease, trauma, or other causes of death.

Cause of Death--REMOVE?

Refers to an official determination of conditions resulting in an animal's death.

Gross--REMOVE?

Refers to evaluation of the internal organs during the autopsy with the unaided eye (no magnification or microscope)

Histopathology (Microscopic Exam)

Laboratory analysis of tissue samples under the microscope, which allows for diagnosis of conditions not visible to the naked eye.

Toxicology

Refers to branch of science concerned with the nature, effects, and detection of poisons. At NSG we can collect samples (usually urine or liver) and submit them to the toxicology lab at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory.

PCR

Polymerase chain reaction is a laboratory test that is a fast, and highly accurate, way to diagnose certain infectious diseases.

Microbiology

Refers to evaluation for the presence of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc). This can be performed through direct culture methods or evaluation of tissue samples collected during necropsy for specific genomic sequences using PCR.

Radiology

Refers to the use of X-ray imaging to detect disease. In the setting of post mortem pathology it is most useful in detecting bone fractures. Other soft tissue pathology is more easily diagnosed during autopsy.

Board Certified Pathologist

Refers to specialized training in pathology. Requirements include three years of residency training and passing a rigorous board examination.