POSTMORTEM EXAMINATION

The following postmortem was performed on a healthy bird, all pictures are of healthy organs.

Items you will need for the postmortem:

• Sharp scissors or shears that will cut through bone

• Sharp knife

• Water, soap, paper towels

• Test tubes for blood collection, if necessary

• Sterile swabs for cultures, if necessary

• Trash bag for disposal

• Notepad and pencil, for taking notes

When you are performing the postmortem, note the condition of each organ, tissue, bone, or muscle. Look closely for any discoloration, tumors, odor, abscesses, inflamation, fluid, foriegn materials, irregularity in size or shape, or parasites.

To euthanize the bird:

• Hold the the birds legs and wing tips in your hand and rest this hand on your hip.

• Grasp the birds head with your other hand, placing it's head between your index and midle finger, the back of the head against your palm.

• Stretch the head in a straight, downward direction until you feel the separation of the neck from the head.

• The bird will flap its wings violently at this point. You may either hold the bird or confine it until reflex movements have stopped.