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 Necropsy Request Form online in full. Providing a detailed and accurate history is critical—it ensures we can provide the most useful diagnostic results while keeping our faculty and staff safe from potential biohazards.
- Contact our Pathology Administrative Coordinator at 508-887-4800 to notify us of the incoming case and receive payment instructions.
- Detailed instructions for submission will be provided only after the form is completed and payment is made.
All necropsy and associated fees are billed directly to the referring veterinarian. It is the veterinarian's responsibility to communicate these costs to the animal owner.
Lab Hours & Receiving
Our team is available Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. We are closed on weekends and holidays.
Submissions & Drop-offs
All drop-offs must be scheduled during our regular business hours. If you cannot make it during these times, please contact us in advance to discuss alternative arrangements.
Specimen Storage Guidelines
For the most accurate results, please keep the specimen chilled (not frozen) prior to submission.
- If already frozen: Keep the specimen frozen until drop-off.
- A Note on Freezing: While our pathologists can perform necropsies on previously frozen remains, freezing can create artifacts that may hide subtle lesions.
Questions? Please call us during business hours to discuss storage or submission requirements.
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.