[Grapappytek]

Like Lilliana said...they want to test for rabies. That's how they test for it in animals. They can only find proof in the brain matter. It's not an autopsy, per se. An autopsy is to discover the cause of death. If the dog was current on rabies vaccs, there is no need for this. If not current, in this case...there's probably still no reason to send the head off for testing. If he waited till the results came back to get a rabies shot for himself, it would be too late.

If there is any concern about potential rabies, your friend should get the shot, regardless of whether or not he chooses to go ahead with the "head test".