Home: Veterinary Services: Veterinary Laboratory: PATHOLOGY
Services rendered by the section
Veterinarians at the laboratory use the pathology section to perform post-mortem examinations on various production animals, poultry, ostriches, pet animals and birds, marine animals and birds, fish, and game.
The purpose of an autopsy is to examine lesions that are present in a carcass, and to take specific samples for further examination, in order to make a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, appropriate steps can be taken to treat and/or control the disease.
Samples to be submitted
If possible, whole, fresh carcasses (as many as possible) should be sent in. Examining organs only is usually less informative. Carcasses in transit, or which can’t be submitted immediately after death, should be kept as cool as possible, preferably by refrigeration (not freezing).
In a disease outbreak, live, sick animals with clinical signs representative of the particular illness, can also be submitted to be sacrificed for autopsies. In the case of a suspected bacterial disease, untreated animals are preferred.
In cases of abortions, whole, fresh foetuses plus placentas (if obtainable) are the samples of choice. If no alternative exists, samples can be frozen. Submit samples in a watertight container. Always wear gloves when handling foetuses or placentas, because they can harbour organisms that can cause serious diseases in humans, e.g. brucellosis and Q fever.
Please take note that the laboratory is a quarantined area and submitted animals or carcasses are therefore not allowed to be removed from the premises. All carcasses are incinerated after examination.
Information that must accompany samples
Fully completed sample submission forms (available at the laboratory or from our website) are preferred when samples are sent in by a third party. Otherwise, the following information must be available:
- Owner details (initials, surname, address, telephone number, etc.).
- Information of the referring veterinarian, or veterinarian that is normally used by the client.
- Animal details (specie, breed, sex, age, identification - if applicable/possible).
- Complete history.
Test fees
Please refer to the laboratory’s latest price list, or contact the laboratory for prices of the tests you wish to have done.
Contact person (technical matters)
Dr Jacob Stroebel: Chief State Veterinarian
Tel: +27 021-887-0324
Fax: +27 021- 886-5341
E-mail: jacobs@wcape.agric.za
