- Post-mortem changes begin immediately. For best results, dead animals should be necropsied as soon as possible after death. If feasible, refrigerate animals until necropsy.
- The best specimen for submission is a recently euthanized untreated animal that exhibited typical clinical signs. Please note that the lab does not have animal holding facilities; animals should be euthanized before submission.
- If experiencing a herd or flock health issue, submitting more than one animal will facilitate diagnosis.
- Provide a thorough history on the submission form, including a description of clinical signs and any treatments/drugs the animal received ante-mortem.
- Indicate preferred method for disposing of remains.
- If the whole animal cannot be submitted, collect and preserve specimens for histopathological examination. See Histopathology.
Message from the Director
The VMDL is an interdisciplinary laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine whose faculty hold academic appointments in the Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology and Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. The director is administratively responsible to the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine for the overall operation of the laboratory and its multiple missions of public service, teaching, research and continuing education/extension.
The faculty and staff of the VMDL work diligently to provide relevant, timely and cost-effective diagnostic services to our clients and to create a positive learning environment for our students and residents. We work closely with AAVLD to maintain an effective Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Program. In 2018, the VMDL processed 48,538 accessions and performed approximately 130,000 diagnostic tests. The VMDL has formal Anatomical Pathology and Clinical Pathology Training programs and offers training in Clinical Microbiology (Bacteriology, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics, and Virology) and Toxicology. We also train graduate students and international students and scholars.
About the MU VMDL
The VMDL is a full-service laboratory accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). The VMDL provides in-depth laboratory diagnostic support to veterinary practitioners, livestock and poultry industry interests, companion animal interests, wildlife conservationists, scientists utilizing animals in their research throughout the university, state and regulatory officials, and clinicians of the MU Veterinary Health Center.