Equine Post Mortem Service
We offer full diagnostics and postmortem for horses, ponies and donkeys across UK to
- vet practices
- vet referral hospitals
- animal charities
- police
- research institutions
Do you accept post mortem requests from horse owners?
All horses and ponies submitted for post mortems must come from a referring vet – we do not accept them from the general public. The reason being is to remain independent and impartial. If the client is in dispute with their vet, we can liaise if required with a nominated third party vet.
Do you process equine post mortem cases where there are negligence concerns?
External veterinary practices may refer animals for necropsy where they require an independent assessment of unexpected patient death during treatment or to investigate apparent sudden or unexplained deaths. In the cases of potential prosecution for neglect, cruelty or malicious cause of death, our role as independent assessors will involve compiling legal reports and, in some cases, involvement as professional witnesses in court proceedings. A proportion of these cases require additional diagnostic imaging ahead of the necropsies.
What is the equine post mortem submission process?
Please contact us BEFORE sending any animal for a post mortem.
This enables us to advise you on transportation and co-ordinate delivery timings and logistics with you. All deliveries must be booked in advance and are accepted Monday – Friday during normal working hours (9.30 – 17.00)
Email: diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac..uk
Phone: 01707 666208
What happens to the horse’s body after they have had a post mortem?
We are not permitted to return bodies due to Clinical Waste Regulations. We can however, release them to properly licenced agents or arrange disposal and/or cremation depending on your client’s wishes.
What does the price of the equine post mortem include?
Prices are inclusive of:
- Preliminary report issued within 3 working days following the post-mortem examination
- All histology(including special stains)
- Bacteriology and tests deemed necessary by the pathologist.
- Final report within 4 working weeks
Prices are exclusive of any further tests including toxicology and services external to the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥
These will be charged accordingly, subject to prior agreement with the referring veterinary surgeon.
RVC Equine Post Mortem Prices
(Last price update: 1st August 2024)
Large animals (200kg+) £1500
Medium size animals (75kg – 200kg) £920
Service Levels/Turnaround times
A preliminary report will be issued within 3 working days following the post-mortem examination and then a subsequent final report within 4 working weeks.
Equine Post Mortem Preparation Advice
For optimal preservation, we recommend the animal be sent as soon as possible following death. To preserve it, we recommend for it to be refrigerated. If there is to be a delay in submission, we would recommend that it be frozen to prevent decomposition.
Terms of business & Invoicing terms
/pathology-and-diagnostic-laboratories/terms-of-business
How to contact us
Email: diagnosticlabs@rvc.ac..uk
Phone: 01707 666208