College of Veterinary Medicine

Abortion Sampling Protocol

1. All tests require that strict sample hygiene is used to prevent any cross-contamination between cases.

2. Weigh the fetus, note sex, and measure the crown to rump length of the fetus. If possible determine the approximate length of gestation. Note any gross or developmental lesions.

3. Collect necessary samples. Use a Ziplock bag or a Whirlpak bag (no OB sleeves) for each fresh tissue that is collected. DO NOT POOL TISSUES. Clearly label the bag with the name of the owner and the specimen contained within the bag.

4. Specimens to collect:

• Fresh tissues: lung, liver, kidney, thymus, placenta, fetal stomach content, thoracic fluid or fetal heart blood, and maternal serum.
• Fixed tissues: lung, liver, kidney, thymus, placenta, brain, spleen, heart, thyroid, adrenal, skeletal muscle.
• Note: Send enough fresh tissue that samples can be collected for bacteriology, virology, and toxicology.

5. Follow shipping protocol as per section entitled, Patient Specimen Shipping Instructions.

TESTS TO BE RUN:

HISTOPATHOLOGY: Slides on fixed tissues submitted. (All species)

BACTERIOLOGY: Aerobic cultures run on fresh liver, lung, placenta, and stomach content. (All species)

VIROLOGY: PCR, VI, or FA on fresh lung, liver, thymus, and kidney. Add fresh spleen and adrenal for porcine. (Test or tests run depend upon species)

SEROLOGY: IgG level checked on fetal blood or thoracic serum. If level is high, further tests can be run depending upon species. Titers are checked against the maternal serum; test also vary depending upon species.

TOXICOLOGY: Selenium levels on fresh liver are sent to Michigan State University for analysis. (All species except camelid which is held pending other results)