How to Perform a Necropsy if a Toxin is Suspected

Toxicologic sampling in cases of suspected toxic exposures, be they accidental or intentional, involves not only animals, living or dead, but also the environment. Diagnosis of a toxic exposure is not just laboratory driven, but also involves history, clinical signs, diagnostic tests, and necropsy findings including gross and histologic results. Although the list of toxic agents and tests available is extensive, the samples to be collected are more focused. The purpose of this techniques article is to familiarize practitioners with the components of a toxicologic investigation and to enhance sampling techniques.