
Pathology at the Animal Diagnostic Lab
Mammalian Necropsy Services Update
Necropsy Service
Clients may submit fresh, recently dead animals for post-mortem examination, including agricultural animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, deer, camelids, poultry, game birds, fish, and zoo animals. Dogs and cats may be submitted for necropsy (see special instructions). Other companion animals, and non-human primates are not currently accepted for necropsy at ADL. While the ADL is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays), deliveries of dead animals or samples may be made 24 hours a day on any day of the week (instructions are posted on our loading dock at the rear of the building). Live animals may be submitted only by prior arrangement and during working hours (euthanasia fees will apply). DO NOT leave live animals in the cooler nor on the loading dock. Carcasses should be chilled if possible; do not freeze. Referring veterinarians or clients are encouraged to notify the lab and consult with the pathologist before sending the carcass. A clinical history written by the referring veterinarian or herd/flock manager must accompany the submission. Insurance cases and cases with the potential for litigation must be identified as such and may incur additional fees. No portion of any animal may be returned after submission. Ancillary tests beyond the gross examination are at the discretion of the pathologist within the limits of the tier selected by the submitter. Turn-around time is approximately two weeks.
Field Necropsy/Diarrhea Panel Submissions
Fresh and formalin-fixed tissues from field necropsies may be submitted for evaluation. Unless specific tests are requested, test selection is at the discretion of the pathologist within the limits of the tier selected by the submitter. Turn-around time is approximately one to two weeks. Please follow the shipping guidelines when submitting samples. Field necropsy mailers are available for purchase through our laboratory.
Fresh fecal samples may be submitted for a complete panel of tests to determine the cause of diarrhea. Depending of the age and species of animal affected, this panel may include bacteriology, parasitology, and molecular biology.
Avian Pathology
Dr. Megan Lighty, Avian Pathologist
Email: mul132@psu.edu
Office: 814-863-0837
__________________________________________________
Dr. Kayla Niel, Avian Diagnostic and Outreach Veterinarian
Email: krn127@psu.edu
Office: 814-863-0837
__________________________________________________
Avian Pathology Residents
Stephanie Benedict, Avian Medicine and Pathology Resident
Email: srb5997@psu.edu
Office: 814-863-0837
Emily Frye, Avian Medicine and Pathology Resident
Email: exf5334@psu.edu
Office: 814-863-0837
_________________________________________________
Mammalian Pathology
Dr. Dane Rahoi, Mammalian Pathologist
Email: dmr6597@psu.edu
Office: 814-863-0837
Dr. Andrew Thiel, Mammalian Pathologist
Email: ajt237@psu.edu
Office: 814-863-0837
Necropsy Technicians
Bill Weaver
Email: wcw10@psu.edu
___________________________________
Anna Marie Wise
Email: akw5528@psu.edu
___________________________________
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. After-hours submission available daily.
- Email adlhelp@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-0837
- Fax 814-865-3907
2025 Holiday Hours
- Memorial Day: May 26, Closed
- Juneteenth: June 19, Closed
- Independence Day: July 4, Closed
- Labor Day: September 1, Closed
- Thanksgiving Holiday: November 27-28, Closed
- Christmas Eve: December 24, Open 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Christmas Day: December 25, Closed
- Holiday Break: December 26, 29-31, Open 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- New Years Day: January 1, 2026 Closed
Animal Diagnostic Laboratory
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. After-hours submission available daily.
- Email adlhelp@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-0837
- Fax 814-865-3907
2025 Holiday Hours
- Memorial Day: May 26, Closed
- Juneteenth: June 19, Closed
- Independence Day: July 4, Closed
- Labor Day: September 1, Closed
- Thanksgiving Holiday: November 27-28, Closed
- Christmas Eve: December 24, Open 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Christmas Day: December 25, Closed
- Holiday Break: December 26, 29-31, Open 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- New Years Day: January 1, 2026 Closed