Where to send fish for necropsy?

Myka · Mar 9, 2017

Looking for suggestions where to send fish away for necropsy. I'm hoping to find somewhere in Canada, but I know most people here are from USA, so I'm open to any ideas. I know of lots of places that are willing to do it, but I'm looking for suggestions where people have had good results with tropical marine ornamental fish.

What about a Canadian university that teaches marine biology?? Is that a good idea?

Also, if I kill the fish via thermal shock (iced saltwater), is that a good plan when fish are going for necropsy? I have Clove Oil, though I imagine that isn't the best option when a necropsy is planned.

Humblefish · Mar 9, 2017

I don't know of anyplace which offers this service. You could try reaching out to a public aquarium or University with a Marine Biology program, but I doubt even they would be interested.

Myka · Mar 9, 2017

Humblefish said:
I don't know of anyplace which offers this service. You could try reaching out to a public aquarium or University with a Marine Biology program, but I doubt even they would be interested.

I already sent an email to the Zoology department of University of British Columbia that offers Marine Biology. Hopefully they get back to me soon!

ahiggins · Mar 9, 2017

why........would you want a necropsy on a fish?

Humblefish · Mar 9, 2017

ahiggins said:
why........would you want a necropsy on a fish?

To determine cause of death.

Empress · Mar 9, 2017

Pretty expensive I'll bet.

bios · Mar 9, 2017

But you have to stop immediately necrofagic process
Using liquid nitrogen deep of the fish
Other way it's impossible to do it
And is something you can not do

Myka · Mar 9, 2017

bios said:
But you have to stop immediately necrofagic process
Using liquid nitrogen deep of the fish
Other way it's impossible to do it
And is something you can not do

Formaldehyde is not good enough? The fish were immediately placed into 2°C formaldehyde for quick cooling. They're ready to ship. I was hoping to send them off overnight today, but I haven't heard back.

bios · Mar 9, 2017

Depends on what you are looking for
Which possible issue you suppose?

cmcoker · Mar 9, 2017

Myka said:
Formaldehyde is not good enough?

Contact a local veterinarian. They can probably send to a reference laboratory.

Looking at the lab we use at work, it says submit whole in 10% formalin, have the coelomic cavity opened to allow for formalin fixation of the internal organs.

Here in the states you should expect to pay no less than $250 to 300 for a fish no larger than a gallon size zip lock bag. (Through a commercial reference lab) the veterinarian may also charge an office visit or something...

University may have different price structure, could also try calling the nearest veterinary college and see if they do any necropsy or could direct you further

4FordFamily · Mar 9, 2017

Let's take a step back - what happened to your fish? There's a great chance we can diagnose without you needing to fork the money for that. With multiple fish affected I already have a couple ideas!

matthewdvm · Mar 9, 2017

You could try the Animal Health Lab at the Ontario Veterinary College (U of Guelph). They will do necropsies of most animals (though I don't know if they need to have them submitted by a veterinarian, or if they will take a submission from the general public: http://www.ovc.uoguelph.ca/research/en/researchresources/AnimalHealthLaboratory.asp

Humblefish · Mar 9, 2017

Myka said:
Formaldehyde is not good enough? The fish were immediately placed into 2°C formaldehyde for quick cooling. They're ready to ship. I was hoping to send them off overnight today, but I haven't heard back.

I personally wouldn't put anything formaldehyde in the mail, not in this day & age.

cmcoker · Mar 9, 2017

Humblefish said:
I personally wouldn't put anything formaldehyde in the mail, not in this day & age.

It needs to be packaged properly. Three separate layers of packaging. In first layer should be enough absorbant material for the volume of liquids shipped, etc.
The laboratory should be able to provide mailing instructions and any declarations that need to be on the outside of the package. And which shipper to use.

ThunderGoose · Mar 9, 2017

Freezing is not good for necropsy (so liquid nitrogen is not appropriate) because freezing and thawing causes the cells to crack open and change the appearance and texture of the tissue. Formalin (formaldehyde) does a good job of preserving tissue for microscopy.

You might try a public aquarium for suggestions. They may or may not have a vet or know of a vet that can do fish necropsies but I'm with 4FordFamily - the folks here may be able to diagnose without the expense and effort of a necropsy.

How do I know all this? I used to work with marine animal rescue groups (two different organizations, two different states) and I have participated in necropsies on marine mammals and sea turtles. I'll refrain from attaching a picture of me in my bloody coveralls from sampling tissue of a beached whale for microscopic analysis (during an on-the-beach necropsy, at least the odor isn't as much of an issue out in the open like that).

bios · Mar 9, 2017

Formalin , ethanol and..are fixative.. they bind
And so you can't do biomolecular study

Also nitrogen liquid do not crack anyting

cmcoker · Mar 9, 2017

bios said:
Formalin , ethanol and..are fixative.. they bind
And so you can't do biomolecular study

Also nitrogen liquid do not crack anyting

I know when we have sent mammals for necropsy and/or rabies testing they were refrigerated and overnighter to the facility. So that may be an option as well, but seems these fish are already fixed in formalin...

bios · Mar 9, 2017

Depends what type of study you want to do on it

I ask wich issue supposed in the first post
But only to be sure he do not spend his money for nothing

I edit because refrig. Frozen. Are other things they denaturate proteins....
Cryogenic is other thing

vet4him · Mar 9, 2017

As a veterinarian, I know the national lab IDEXX will perform fish necropsies. You would probably have to have your vet submit the body and could probably tell you how to humanely euthanize/store the body for shipping.