A autopsy or post-mortem is an examination of an animal after death to determine the cause of death, the extent of disease, or to check the health of the animal. The autopsy includes a macroscopic assessment of organs and changes, and is also used to collect material for further examination (histopathological, microbiological, parasitological, toxicological), which is usually required for a final diagnosis. Autopsy findings are documented in writing or photographically.