Description
This book guides veterinarians and lawyers through the diverse and complex fields of alleged cruelty to, and unlawful killing of, companion animals, farm livestock and wildlife. It draws together current knowledge on how to approach, investigate and report forensic cases.- Covers all aspects of the forensic post-mortem including cause and time of death- Features the fundamentals of abuse and neglect- Allows rapid access to descriptions of different types of injuries and gives essential guidance on their interpretation- Backed by practical standard operative procedures from world experts to ensure proper and professional case management- High quality, specially selected photographs, a clear writing style and concise presentation informs and encourages the reader towards soundly-based conclusions
Table of Contents
IntroductionDefinition of forensic veterinary pathology – a developing specialty.The relationship between the forensic veterinary pathologist and the courts. Why do it?The forensic examination and reportThe locus: types of loci, value of attending at the locus, notes and photographs * The forensic necropsy procedure: standard procedures, avoidance of pitfalls, natural diseaseInterpretation of findings *Report writing: plain English, formatting and numberingEstimation of the post mortem interval * Rigor mortis, post mortem changes including adipocere and mummification, immunohistochemistry, entomology and environmental cluesWounds and other injuriesSuperficial injuries: skin wounds including abrasions, incisions, lacerations and stab wounds * Bruising and haemorrhage * Internal injuries: blunt trauma; penetrating wounds; head; thoracic; abdominal; pelvic and limb injuriesNon- accidental injuryTerminology and definitions * Features that raise suspicion * Links to violence in the home * Limitations on application of current knowledge to non-companion animalsAsphyxia and DrowningDefinition of asphyxia * General features * Strangulation, Choking & Smothering, Suffocation & Crush Asphyxia, Poisonous gases, Smoke inhalation, DrowningFirearmsTypes of weapons and ammunition: air rifles, shotguns, rifles and crossbows * Firearm injuries: air rifle pellets wounds, shotgun pellet wounds, high and low velocity rifle bullet woundsTraps and snaresIllegal use of traps and snares * Injuries caused by spring traps * Injuries caused by snares * Deaths in cage trapsDog bite injuriesInjuries to hares killed during hare coursing * Injuries to roe deer seized by dogs * Injuries to domestic livestock following stock worryingPoisoningNecropsy features raising suspicion of chemical poisoningThermal injuriesBurns and scalds * Pathologic features in cats fatally injured in microwave ovens and tumble dryers * Electrocution * Heatstroke *Frostbite NeglectDogs, cats, other domestic pets and livestock: deprivation of the normal necessities of life * Lack of veterinary treatment: chronic lameness in livestock; neglected injuries; neoplasia; diarrhoea; loss of weight * Sexual abuse * Terminology * Types of injuries in companion animals * Objects used * Estimation of the age of lesions * Bruises, healing wounds, fractures, peri-osteal responses * Use of histopathology in forensic cases * Confirmation or exclusion of specific changes or lesions.Smoke inhalation
