The gross dissection technique employed will vary slightly from examiner to examiner and specimen to specimen. Regardless, it is very important that all internal organs be systematically removed and completely examined for evidence of gross lesions. When necessary, tissues should be collected for ancillary tests.

Lesions observed at necropsy should be documented as soon as possible by:

• An assistant who records the findings dictated by the prosector
• A tape recorder, often with a suspended microphone and a foot-activating control
• Digital photography - an invaluable tool for documenting necropsy findings by providing visual notes for writing the report, and photographs for inclusion in the report
• "Mental notes" taken by the prosector and to be written down afterwards

Samples for other ancillary laboratory diagnostic procedures can be collected at necropsy. These procedures provide diagnostic support to the gross necropsy findings and may be absolutely necessary in making some diagnoses. Common ancillary tests include:

• Histopathology    This is the most common and important ancillary test done by a pathologist to support necropsy. Specimens from all major organs should be routinely collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin.
• Microbiology    Specimens for microbiology are only collected for the lab when the history, clinical diagnosis, or necropsy lesions suggest a causative infectious agent. Proper sterile microbiology collection techniques and materials should be employed.
• Toxicology    Specimens for toxicology are only collected for the lab when the history, clinical diagnosis, or necropsy lesions suggest a toxic agent (poison). Tissues to be collected will be dictated by the suspected toxin, and should be packaged separately and frozen.

This document communicates findings of the necropsy examination. It may be in narrative form or part of a specific printed report form. A preliminary gross report can be written if ancillary tests are pending (especially histopathology). The final report should be a compilation of all the gross and microscopic findings, as well as any ancillary tests, with comments and conclusions representing these findings. The report format should include:

• Case identification    Assigned necropsy case number, clinical case number, and date of submission and examination.
• Owner's identification    Owner's name and optionally, the address and phone number.
• Specimen identification    Animal's name, species, breed, age, weight, and sex.
• Clinical history    Includes details of clinical findings, signs and symptoms observed (especially perimortem signs), and clinical diagnosis.
• Gross necropsy findings    Often arranged by organs/system.
• Diagnosis and comments    Examiner's assessment of all lesions, diagnosis they support, and any other useful comments. If ancillary tests were done, results should be summarized here. When possible, a direct statement as to the precise cause of death should be included.