CVDL Information for Veterinarians

General Submissions

CVDL will only accept cases for necropsy directly from a licensed veterinarian. This allows you as the veterinarian to maintain a relationship with your client and provide interpretation and context to detailed gross and histopathological necropsy reports.

 If your client requests a necropsy, the following forms and all payments are required PRIOR to acceptance of the animal for testing.

• Complete the following Necropsy Request Form online here.
• Then, have a representative from your clinic call the CVDL Pathology Administrative Coordinator at 508-887-4800 to notify us of the incoming necropsy and to allow us to provide payment information.
• Detailed instructions for submission will be provided only after completion of the form and payment.

In all cases, the referring veterinarian is charged for the necropsy and associated fees. It is the veterinarian’s responsibility to communicate cost to the owner.

Please be sure to fill out the necropsy request form in full detail. Note that an accurate and thorough history is essential to provide the most useful diagnostic information and to avoid exposing our faculty and staff to potential biohazards.

Result Reporting

All results will be reported to the submitting veterinarian. An initial report will be issued via email within 48 hours of the gross examination. Histopathology and a summary of findings is generally completed within 4-8 weeks. In some cases, ancillary testing (e.g. bacterial culture, toxicology) may be recommended. Since these tests vary significantly in additional cost and timing, the submitting veterinarian will be contacted to discuss recommendations, if necessary.

We will not communicate results directly with animal owners.

Cremation Services

Animal remains submitted for necropsy will not be returned after the examination. Due to biosaftety hazards, remains will only be released to registered pet cremation services.