NOTE: The remainder of this post contains graphic discussions of
necropsies and burials.  You should skip the remainder of this post if
you are squeamish about discussing issues pertaining to dead ferrets.
 
NECROPSY:
 
When a ferret passes away, an ever-increasing number of people are using
the animal equivalent of forensic science to determine the cause of death
and are having necropsies done.  A necropsy is the same thing as an
autopsy except it is done on animals.  This is far more important than
you might think.  For example, should your ferret suddenly sicken and
die, a necropsy might be able to determine if the death was due to
infectious disease or perhaps because of genetic flaws.  If it was
infectious disease, a necropsy could determine what disease it was and
help cure or prevent the spread to other ferrets, or even help devise a
better treatment to save their lives.  Sometimes a ferret with a known
disease that wouldn't normally require a necropsy to determine death has
been treated with experimental or unproven drugs, and samples collected
during the procedure can help determine effectiveness of the treatment.
Perhaps one of the hidden benefits of a proper necropsy is that it fixes
the cause of death, becoming a data point that allows veterinarians to
track disease rates, effectiveness of treatment, and mortality.  This
is extremely important in trying to track disease to breeders, or if a
disease is as virulent as it appears.
 
If you decide to have a necropsy, most vets are trained in performing
them, although some samples may be sent to outside labs.  Usually same
vet that is the primary caregiver will perform the necropsy, but
sometimes the samples are contracted to outside agencies.  Some vets
charge for the service, others do not charge if they are interested
in learning the cause of death or are following up on a specific drug
protocol, so you have to ask.  On very rare occasion, requesting a
necropsy might cause the vet to become defensive, as if the request is
a suggestion of incompetence, so diplomacy can be an asset.  In any case,
you have the right to request a necropsy and if your vet refuses, then
take the remains to another vet.
 
In all cases, it is very important NOT TO FREEZE a deceased ferret prior
to necropsy.  Freezing causes the water within the cells of the body to
crystallize and expand, destroying cell membranes and making visual
identification of cell types difficult or impossible.  Some causes of
death are from invading pathogens, and it is important to contain the
germs without spreading them to other locations.  What I do is wrap the
ferret in a paper towel to help absorb fluid leakage, and then place the
ferret in a 1 gal. ziplock bag.  I force out as much air as possible
before sealing, and then tape the ziplock seal shut.  The bundle is then
placed into a second ziplock bag along with identification and other
information.  The second ziplock bag is also sealed and taped shut.
The sealed bundle is sprayed with bleach solution and allowed to soak
for 5 minutes before drying and placing in the crisper portion of a
refrigerator until it can be transported to the vet.  Take the deceased
ferret to the vet for the necropsy as soon as possible.
 
If you want the ferret back after the necropsy, that shouldn't be a
problem as long as you make sure the vet knows your wishes.  If you want
to be able to view the ferret after the necropsy, that shouldn't be a
problem either, but you should inform the vet so they will be sure to
suture the ferret after taking samples.  The key is to inform your vet of
your wishes BEFORE the necropsy so they can take the proper steps so you
will not be offended afterwards.
 
Bob C
[Posted in FML issue 4414]