Indications for Necropsy
If evaluations of history, life support systems,
water quality, and husbandry or management
are not adequate to solve the problem, nonlethal
techniques including biopsy of skin, fins,
and gills; examination of fresh fecal samples;
and blood culture may be all the additional information
required. 4 However, if a client is interested
in a thorough evaluation of a problem,
a necropsy is required. Likewise, if a community
or population of fish is at risk, necropsies should
be performed to fine-tune treatment and prevention.