A T-shaped incision is made: the two horizontal branches of the T follow an axis from the caudal linea alba to the lumbar spine, and the vertical branch of the T runs from the pubic symphysis to the xiphoid process along the linea alba.
Lay out the intestinal mass so as to identify the main segments (on one side duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ileocaecal valve, caecum, mesenteric lymph nodes, on the other side spiral colon, rectum).
Cut the diaphragm where it attaches to the ribs and check for the presence of a pleural vacuum.
Observe the pleural cavity (presence of exudate, blood) and the parietal pleura.
Cut the oesophagus and trachea cranially to remove the heart/lung block.
Separate the heart from the lungs.
Open the oesophagus longitudinally: analyse any contents and the oesophageal mucosa
Open the trachea to the tracheobronchial junction: analyse any contents and the tracheal mucosa.
Palpate the lung parenchyma carefully (cranially first, then caudally), looking for any change in consistency.
Make a section in each of the lobes and observe: the airways, the vessels, the alveolar parenchyma.
Cutting the heart: the pericardium is incised and the heart is removed. A first apical section is made about 1/3 of the apex.
The ventricular walls are examined and their thickness assessed. The right heart is placed on the left and the left heart on the right.
A second incision is made in the left ventricle, following the septum and opening the left ventricle and aorta.
A third incision, parallel to the second, is made through the left ventricle and left atrium.
A fourth incision is made in the right ventricle, following the septum and opening the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.
A fifth incision, parallel to the fourth, is made through the right ventricle and right atrium.
Observation of heart valves and myocardium
Observation of lymph nodes in the carcase
Observation of joints and feet