For the most part, there is going
to be no need to separate the heart from the lungs. But, this
was a pretty picture so we thought it would be cool to include
it and of course, we always have something to say. If the heart
is touching or is near touching the diaphragm at the time of the
sternum removal, it is a good sign that the heart is enlarged.
As the diaphragm is punctured, the pressure in the thoracic cavity
is going to change causing the heart to retract, so it is a good
observation to make at this early time. As with humans who don't
get a great deal of exercise, are obese, or are getting old, the
heart will be enlarged. Heart enlargement and heart lesions are
typical in older animals. Also, don't be alarmed if the heart
is still beating. Due to electric currents running through the
body after death, some movement of the heart and other various
muscles will continue to occur after euthanasia.