Pathology at the Animal Diagnostic Lab

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

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Dr. Kayla Niel, Avian Diagnostic and Outreach Veterinarian
Email: krn127@psu.edu
Office: 814-863-0837

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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

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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

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Current Fee Schedule

Test Look-up Form and User Guide

Animal Diagnostic Laboratory

Address

131 Pastureview Rd.
University Park, PA 16802
Directions

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. After-hours submission available daily.

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

Address

131 Pastureview Rd.
University Park, PA 16802
Directions

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. After-hours submission available daily.

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