What additional step should be taken during necropsy when appropriate?

Taking cultures during a necropsy is essential for identifying infectious agents that might not be evident through visual inspection or standard tissue analysis. This step allows for the determination of the presence of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that could be responsible for the observed pathology. Cultures can provide critical information regarding the etiology of a disease, which is vital for both understanding the cause of death and for potential epidemiological implications.

By obtaining cultures, veterinarians can diagnose issues like bacterial infections or mycotic diseases, and it also aids in the assessment of pathogen resistance patterns. This information is crucial for formulating treatment plans for other animals if a contagious disease is suspected.

While attaching tissue samples for analysis is beneficial, it primarily relies on histopathological examination rather than directly identifying active pathogens. Administering antibiotics during necropsy would not be appropriate since the animal is deceased and it is not a treatment scenario. Conducting a physical examination would typically occur prior to necropsy and is not a part of the necropsy procedure itself. Thus, taking cultures stands out as a critical and relevant additional step during a necropsy.