Referral Vet Service

Referring veterinarians can request that a necropsy (animal autopsy) be performed. A completed necropsy request is needed from the referring vet before a necropsy can be performed. Primate necropsies are only accepted with pre-approval from a UTCVM pathologist.

Requesting a Necropsy:

• Necropsy request form
• Includes a full gross examination and in most cases a microscopic examination
• Faculty veterinary pathologists will perform the necropsy with the assistance of residents (veterinarians training to become pathologists) and veterinary students.
• Gross necropsy findings will be phoned in or emailed to the referring veterinarian within 48 hours of completion
• A complete and final necropsy report (including gross and microscopic findings) will be reported within 6 weeks.
• Referring veterinarians should call 865-974-5673 for fees or further information regarding necropsy submissions.

Prices and Fees

• Routine necropsies range form $80-150, depending on many factors including the size and type of animal.
• Ancillary testing and disposal charges may be an additional cost.
• Insurance or potential legal cases may cost up to $500
• Rabies testing only (no necropsy) is available for $50
• In all cases, the referring veterinarian is charged for the necropsy and any associated fees
  • It is the referring veterinarian’s responsibility to convey these charges to the owner.

Handling of Remains

• We do NOT return bodies to the owners or referring veterinarians
  
• The animal’s remains can be disposed of at the Veterinary​ Medical Center or returned to the owner via private cremation (not available for entire large animals >200 pounds).​
  
• Referring veterinarians are responsible for making arrangements with a private cremation service (Yeargan Pet burial, Resthaven, Tri-county pet services).  The Veterinary Medical Center is not responsible for making arrangements of paying any fees incurred by the private cremation service.

Contact Information​