The Minimally Invasive Veterinary Autopsy: A Feasibility Study

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting cats whom have passed either naturally or from humane euthanasia in order to compare the conventional autopsy with an alternative method known as the minimally invasive veterinary autopsy (MIVA), which combines postmortem advanced imaging with image guided tissue biopsy.

Inclusion Criteria: Cats which have passed away (by euthanasia or natural death) while at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital.

Procedures: After the patient has passed away, a MIVA and a conventional autopsy will be performed. The results of the conventional autopsy will be shared with your veterinarian.

Costs: The study will cover the costs related to the MIVA and conventional autopsy procedure. No other costs (including cremation) will be covered.

Contact: Please complete the Study Interest Form for more information.

Principal Investigator: Adam W. Stern, DVM DACVP

Background:

Veterinary autopsies (necropsies) are used to determine the cause of death of our patients, perform disease surveillance, and diagnose new or emerging diseases. There has been a decline in the autopsy performance rate in veterinary medicine and there is a need to develop alternative techniques to increase this rate. The results from this study will provide valuable information pertaining to the utilization of the MIVA in cats.