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.

Disposal

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​