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]