Postmortem Examinations
A copy of these recommendations and complete Gross Pathology Protocol can be downloaded in Word format here.
Canada
The Atlantic Veterinary College has agreed to provide necropsies of potentially affected puppies for less than $200 Canadian (plus FedEx shipping charges). Necropsies can be arranged by contacting Dr. Shannon Martinson, Diagnostic Pathologist at 902-566-0864. This service requires a request for necropsy from your veterinarian. Alternatively, necropsy may be performed at your local veterinary/diagnostic lab or teaching university using the guidelines described for U.S./International necropsies.
United States/International
As a result of difficulties with Canada Customs, the study team recommends that necropsies of U.S. or international dogs be performed by your veterinarian/diagnostic lab or teaching university using the gross pathology protocol. In such cases, it is extremely important that:
- You provide your veterinarian with a copy of this protocol and ask them to pass it on as required.
- You contact a member of the study team as soon as possible and let them know where the procedure is being conducted.
- You or your vet inform the diagnostic lab that Dr. Shannon Martinson, Diagnostic Pathologist at the Atlantic Veterinary College will be contacting them for the purposes of the study. You must supply explicit consent for information and/or tissue samples to be released in order for Dr. Martinson to access the data she requires.
In the event a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy is confirmed, we sincerely hope that you will consent to provide pedigree information on your puppy to help us better understand possible hereditary aspects of this condition.
ALL information will be kept confidential upon request.
If you have questions, please contact a member of the study team at any time.