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Bogusz I, Bogusz M, Borowska B, Szleszkowski Ł, Żelazna-Wieczorek J. A critical assessment of the diatom test of rib bone marrow as a supporting procedure in the case of drowning. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 107:102753. [PMID: 39288616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Diatoms (Bacillariophyta), being single-celled photosynthetic organisms, are widely distributed in aquatic ecosystems around the globe. Their exoskeletons are resistant to most environmental factors as well as chemical reagents in laboratory settings. Moreover, the ornamentation featured on exoskeletons can be used to identify individual diatomaceous species. As a result, the detection of diatoms in the internal organs, and especially rib marrow, of corpses found in water can serve as an important tool for diagnosing drowning as the cause of death as long as passive postmortem penetration of diatoms into those organs is excluded. In the environmental experiments described in this paper, diatoms were detected in rib marrow only when contamination resulted from a mechanical breach of bone integrity and structure, irrespective of the residence time of bone material in the aquatic environment. Our research suggests that the presence of diatom in the rib marrow may be the gold standard in the diagnosis of drowning in the future. Our animal model research dispels one of the doubts, such as the possibility of passive penetration of diatoms into the bone marrow, which is still under discussion in the forensic medicine community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Bogusz
- Police Training Centre in Legionowo, Special Training Unit, 05-119 Legionowo, Zegrzyńska 121 St., Poland.
| | - Marek Bogusz
- Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Medicine, Forensic Medicine Department, 00-001 Warsaw, Oczki 1 St., Poland.
| | - Beata Borowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Anthropology, Banacha 12/16 St., 90-237 Łódź, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Szleszkowski
- Wroclaw Medical University, Faculty od Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 4 St., 50-345 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Joanna Żelazna-Wieczorek
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Algology and Mycology, Banacha 12/16 St., 90-237 Łódź, Poland.
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2
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Pankoke K, Nielsen SS, Jørgensen BM, Jensen HE, Barington K. Immunohistochemical study of CD31 and α-SMA expression for age estimation of porcine skin wounds. J Comp Pathol 2023; 206:22-31. [PMID: 37748300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Age estimation of wounds in veterinary forensic investigations is based on the presence and amount of granulation tissue. However, accurate age assessment is challenging and new time-dependent markers are warranted to support and improve the current procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of CD31-positive blood vessels and α-smooth muscle action (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts in granulation tissue in order to evaluate their value as markers for porcine wound age estimation in a veterinary forensic context. Immunohistochemical expression of CD31 and α-SMA in 14 experimental porcine skin wounds of different ages (4, 6, 8, 10, 18, 27 and 35 days) and 11 forensic porcine wound specimens (of unknown age) were evaluated. CD31-positive blood vessels and α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts were present in the granulation tissue in the experimental wounds at all time points. A significant decrease in the mean blood vessel counts was found in wounds aged 18, 27 and 35 days compared with wounds aged 6 days (P < 0.001), when assessing both the superficial and deep part of the wound bed. α-SMA expression was lower at 27 and 35 days post wounding compared with 6-18 days post wounding. Combined assessment of three parameters (mean blood vessel counts in the superficial and deep wound beds and α-SMA expression) could approximately specify the age of the wounds as either 6-18 days or ≥27 days. In two of the forensic cases a combination of the three parameters yielded results that were similar to the experimental wounds, indicating a wound age of 6-18 days or ≥27 days, respectively. In the remaining forensic cases a combination of the three parameters did not show the same expression pattern as in the experimental wounds. The results indicate that in some forensic cases the application of CD31 and α-SMA markers appeared to support the current procedure for porcine wound age estimation, but this must be combined with pathological characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Pankoke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Søren S Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Benjamin M Jørgensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Henrik E Jensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kristiane Barington
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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3
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Prihirunkit K. Postmortem radiological imaging and autopsy of a manually strangled dog with a neck twist. FORENSIC IMAGING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2022.200519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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4
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Baxter EM, McKeegan DEF, Farish M, Thomson JR, Clutton RE, Greenhalgh SN, Gregson R, Martin JE. Characterizing candidate decompression rates for hypobaric hypoxic stunning of pigs. Part 2: Pathological consequences. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1027883. [PMID: 36439339 PMCID: PMC9681787 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1027883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are commonly stunned pre-slaughter by exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2), but this approach is associated with significant welfare concerns. Hypobaric hypoxia, achieved with gradual decompression (also known as Low Atmospheric Pressure Stunning or LAPS) may be an alternative, allowing the retention of welfare friendly handling approaches and group stunning. Although validated in poultry, the feasibility and welfare consequences of gradual decompression for pigs are unknown. Here, we characterize pathological changes in 60 pigs resulting from exposure to a range of candidate decompression curves (ranging from 40 to 100 ms-1 ascent equivalent, with two cycle durations 480 and 720 s). To protect welfare, we worked on unconscious, terminally anesthetized pigs which were subject to detailed post-mortem examinations by a specialized porcine veterinary pathologist. All pigs were killed as a result of exposure to decompression, irrespective of cycle rate or length. Pigs showed no external injuries during ante-mortem inspections. Exposing pigs to decompression and the unavoidable subsequent recompression resulted in generalized congestion of the carcass, organs and body cavities including the ears, oral cavity, conjunctivae and sclera, mucosa of other external orifices (anus and vulva), nasal planum, nasal cavities including nasal conchae, frontal sinuses, cranium, meninges, brain, larynx, trachea, lungs, heart, parietal pleura of the thoracic cavity, peritoneum of the abdominal cavity, stomach, small intestine, caecum, colon, liver, spleen and kidneys and representative joint cavities in the limbs (stifles and elbows). Various severities of hemorrhage were observed in the conjunctivae and sclera, mucosa of other external orifices (anus and vulva), nasal cavities including nasal conchae, frontal sinuses, cranium, meninges, brain, larynx, tracheal lumen, lungs, parietal pleura of the thoracic cavity, liver, spleen and kidneys and representative joint cavities in the limbs (stifles and elbows). In general, faster decompression rates produced higher scores, but in the conjunctivae, sclera and kidneys, faster decompression rates were associated with marginally lower congestion scores. There was considerable individual variation in pathological scores across all body regions. The congestion and hemorrhage observed could translate into welfare harms in conscious pigs undergoing this type of stunning, depending when in the cycle the damage is occurring, but no welfare related conclusions can be drawn from the responses of unconscious pigs. Since recompression is always required, its effects cannot be separated from decompression, however cessation of cardiac activity several minutes before recompression should have eliminated any haemodynamic effects relating to cardiac function and blood pressure. This study represents the first systematic attempt to identify candidate rate profiles to underpin future explorations of decompression as a stunning method for pigs. These pathological findings also inform discussions about the likely carcass quality implications of this novel stunning method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. Baxter
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dorothy E. F. McKeegan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne Farish
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jill R. Thomson
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences Research Group, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard E. Clutton
- The Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals LARIF, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen N. Greenhalgh
- The Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals LARIF, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Gregson
- The Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals LARIF, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica E. Martin
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Viciano J, López-Lázaro S, Tanga C. Post-Mortem Dental Profile as a Powerful Tool in Animal Forensic Investigations—A Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162038. [PMID: 36009628 PMCID: PMC9404435 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary forensics is becoming more important in our society as a result of the growing demand for investigations related to crimes against animals or investigations of criminal deaths caused by animals. A veterinarian may participate as an expert witness or may be required to give forensic assistance, by providing knowledge of the specialty to establish a complete picture of the involvement of an animal and allowing the Courts to reach a verdict. By applying diverse dental profiling techniques, not only can species, sex, age-at-death, and body size of an animal be estimated, but also data about their geographical origin (provenance) and the post-mortem interval. This review concentrates on the dental techniques that use the characteristics of teeth as a means of identification of freshly deceased and skeletonised animals. Furthermore, this highlights the information that can be extracted about the animal from the post-mortem dental profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Viciano
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (S.L.-L.); (C.T.)
| | - Sandra López-Lázaro
- Departamento de Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 6850331, Chile
- Forensic Dentistry Lab, Centro de Investigación en Odontología Legal y Forense–CIO–, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (S.L.-L.); (C.T.)
| | - Carmen Tanga
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (S.L.-L.); (C.T.)
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Gu G, Gan S, Deng J, Du Y, Qiu Z, Liu J, Liu C, Zhao J. Automated diatom detection in forensic drowning diagnosis using a single shot multibox detector with plump receptive field. Appl Soft Comput 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2022.108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Abbate JM, Grifò G, Capparucci F, Arfuso F, Savoca S, Cicero L, Consolo G, Lanteri G. Postmortem Electrical Conductivity Changes of Dicentrarchus labrax Skeletal Muscle: Root Mean Square (RMS) Parameter in Estimating Time since Death. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091062. [PMID: 35565489 PMCID: PMC9105913 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) still poses a major challenge for pathologists worldwide, making the search for new and more accurate technologies to assist in PMI estimation worthy of growing scientific interest. This study aimed to explore for the first time the use of an oscilloscope coupled with a signal generator, as innovative technology, to evaluate changes in the electrical conductivity of skeletal muscle of sea bass specimens during the early postmortem interval, to find an accurate, quantitative parameter useful in PMI estimation. The use of the oscilloscope, especially for the RMS measured parameter, has been shown here as a promising technology for studying dielectric muscle properties during the early postmortem interval, with the advantage of being a rapid, non-destructive, and inexpensive method. Abstract Electric impedance spectroscopy techniques have been widely employed to study basic biological processes, and recently explored to estimate postmortem interval (PMI). However, the most-relevant parameter to approximate PMI has not been recognized so far. This study investigated electrical conductivity changes in muscle of 18 sea bass specimens, maintained at different room temperatures (15.0 °C; 20.0 °C; 25.0 °C), during a 24 h postmortem period using an oscilloscope coupled with a signal generator, as innovative technology. The root mean square (RMS) was selected among all measured parameters, and recorded every 15 min for 24 h after death. The RMS(t) time series for each animal were collected and statistically analyzed using MATLAB®. A similar trend in RMS values was observed in all animals over the 24 h study period. After a short period, during which the RMS signal decreased, an increasing trend of the signal was recorded for all fish until it reached a peak. Subsequently, the RMS value gradually decreased over time. A strong linear correlation was observed among the time series, confirming that the above time-behaviour holds for all animals. The time at which maximum value is reached strongly depended on the room temperature during the experiments, ranging from 6 h in fish kept at 25.0 °C to 14 h in animals kept at 15.0 °C. The use of the oscilloscope has proven to be a promising technology in the study of electrical muscle properties during the early postmortem interval, with the advantage of being a fast, non-destructive, and inexpensive method, although more studies will be needed to validate this technology before moving to real-time field investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maria Abbate
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (J.M.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Gabriele Grifò
- Department of Mathematical, Computer, Physical and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Papardo, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Fabiano Capparucci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Papardo, 98166 Messina, Italy; (F.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy; (J.M.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Serena Savoca
- Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Cicero
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Papardo, 98166 Messina, Italy; (F.C.); (G.L.)
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily “A. Mirri” (IZS), 98129 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giancarlo Consolo
- Department of Mathematical, Computer, Physical and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Papardo, 98166 Messina, Italy; (G.G.); (G.C.)
| | - Giovanni Lanteri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario Papardo, 98166 Messina, Italy; (F.C.); (G.L.)
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Tolleson DR, Schafer DW. Evaluation of non-invasive bioforensic techniques for determining the age of hot-iron brand burn scars in cattle. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab108. [PMID: 34278240 PMCID: PMC8280919 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hot-iron branding is a traditional form of permanent cattle identification in the United States. There is a need for science-based determination of cattle brand age. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to obtain information about animal tissues and healing processes. Height-width allometry and NIRS were applied to hot-iron cattle brand scars to determine if either or both of these methods can be used to non-invasively establish the interval sincethe application of hot-iron cattle brands. Length and width of a brand routinely applied to calves (~30–60 d old) were established and then the same measurements were recorded on 378 calfhood branded cattle of known age ranging from 0.5 to > 6.5 yr-of-age. Brand width and height increased over the original measurements by > 100% between calfhood application and 2.5 yr-of-age (P < 0.001). Brand size did not change dramatically between 2.5 and > 6.5 yr, however, both width and height were (P < 0.05) greater at maturity than at weaning. Near infrared spectra were collected from a) branded skin b) non-clipped (hair), non-branded skin, and c) hair clipped, non-branded skin on Bos taurus cross calves. Individual trial calibrations yielded high R2 and low SE of calibration values as well as similar cross validation performance (P < 0.001). Numerically lower but still strong performance (P < 0.001) resulted from combined data set calibrations. Cross-trial prediction of brand age was unsuccessful. One single year calibration underpredicted (P < 0.001) brand age of an independent validation set by 2.83 d, and another single year calibration underpredicted (P < 0.001) the same validation set by 9.91 d. When combined, these two datasets resulted in a calibration that overpredicted brand age in the validation set by 6.9 d (P < 0.02). Discriminant analyses for identification of skin surface type yielded success rates of 90% for branded, 99% for non-clipped, non-branded, and 96% for clipped, non-branded (P < 0.01). Discriminant analyses were also performed on samples grouped into a) less than 33 d, b) 141–153 d, and c) 169 d categories. All group membership identifications were successful at greater than 90% (P < 0.01). Preliminary results indicate that brand size could be used to indicate brand age and that NIRS can predict brand age as well as discriminate between broad brand age groups in cattle. More work will need to be done before these techniques can be used in real-world forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Tolleson
- Agricultural Experiment Station, The University of Arizona, V Bar V Ranch, Rimrock, AZ 86335, USA
| | - David W Schafer
- Agricultural Experiment Station, The University of Arizona, V Bar V Ranch, Rimrock, AZ 86335, USA
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9
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Miranda-de la Lama GC, González-Castro CA, Gutiérrez-Piña FJ, Villarroel M, Maria GA, Estévez-Moreno LX. Horse welfare at slaughter: A novel approach to analyse bruised carcasses based on severity, damage patterns and their association with pre-slaughter risk factors. Meat Sci 2020; 172:108341. [PMID: 33096428 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study presents a novel veterinary forensic approach to analyse the bruising of horse carcasses, based on the nature of the bruises and how they are grouped in certain anatomical areas. Data on pre-slaughter logistics was obtained for 113 journeys with horses that travelled from Mexico and the USA to a Mexican abattoir. We found that carcass bruising was a highly prevalent problem (79% of carcasses had bruising) and was especially problematic in journeys lasting longer than 12 h, independently of the animal's country of origin, sex, age, lairage time or vehicle type. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the most severe bruises were not dispersed randomly on the carcass and that their distribution was associated with the presence of medium-sized bruises on the abdominal wall, front and rear limb. Cluster analysis suggested four damage patterns based on bruise location: severe and concentrated bruising, as well as non-severe bruises on the rear limb, thoracic-wall or more dispersed throughout the carcass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C Miranda-de la Lama
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Food Science, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM-Lerma), Lerma de Villada, State of México, Mexico.
| | - César A González-Castro
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Gutiérrez-Piña
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Morris Villarroel
- Department of Animal Science, E.T.S.I.A. Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo A Maria
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura X Estévez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Rebollada-Merino A, Bárcena C, Mayoral-Alegre FJ, García-Real I, Domínguez L, Rodríguez-Bertos A. Forensic cases of suspected dog and cat abuse in the Community of Madrid (Spain), 2014-2019. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 316:110522. [PMID: 33038828 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Companion animal abuse is an issue that concerns not only veterinarians and law enforcement agencies but also society in general. Animals that die under suspicious or violent circumstances should be submitted to reference laboratories for a postmortem examination by veterinary forensic pathologists trained to recognize animal abuse. Nevertheless, the low notification rate of such cases in Spain may explain the country's lag in the development of veterinary forensics and the limited information available on animal abuse epidemiology in comparison with other countries. By sharing information among the entities involved in recognizing animal abuse, we can better address these issues, thus improving veterinary forensics in Spain (and elsewhere). In this study, we analysed the cause and manner of death of 96 dog and cat carcasses suspected of animal abuse. These cases were submitted to our diagnostic laboratory for forensic postmortem examination by public agencies and animal protection centres. To our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the postmortem analysis of forensic cases of suspected dog and cat abuse in Spain. On the basis of gross and histopathological findings, we distinguished between natural and non-natural abuse-related deaths, classifying the latter. We confirmed that most of the dog deaths were related with abuse, though the suspected abuse and the cause of death did not always coincide. In contrast, cause of death was determined to be natural in many of the cat suspected abuse cases. The most frequent non-natural abuse-related cause of death in dogs was blunt force trauma (n=24, 43.64%), followed by firearm injuries (n=10, 18.18%), asphyxia (n=5, 9.09%), heatstroke (n=3, 5.45%), starvation (n=2, 3.64%), bite injury (n=1, 1.82%), and sharp force trauma (n=1, 1.82%). In cats, the most common cause of death was blunt force trauma (n=9, 21.95%), followed by firearm injuries (n=3, 7.32%) and bite injury (n=2, 4.88%). The main goal of our study is to share our results with the scientific community to advance the field of veterinary forensics in Spain, which will lead to more successful prosecutions by law enforcement agencies. Finally, we highlight that veterinarians who can accurately recognize signs of animal abuse may be able to better respond to cases of companion animal cruelty, which in turn, may prevent possible escalation to interpersonal violence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Bárcena
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Isabel García-Real
- Department of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Bertos
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Department of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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11
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European Forensic Veterinary Pathology Comes of Age. J Comp Pathol 2020; 179:83-88. [PMID: 32958154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
During the mid-1700s, development of the veterinary profession was largely focussed on equine medicine and surgery. Subsequently, rather erratic development encompassed other species and eventually led to specialization in different disciplines. Teaching of veterinary pathology was well established in Europe and North America by the late 19th century. Specialization in this discipline was boosted in the 1940s by the formation, in the USA, of the Register of Veterinary Pathology and American College of Veterinary Pathologists. National societies followed soon afterwards in Europe. The European Society of Veterinary Pathology evolved during this period and the European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP) was created in 1995 to promote high standards in the discipline. As an accrediting body, its emphasis is on training and harmonization across Europe. There is an increasing demand for high-grade forensic veterinary pathology reports which address the requirements of the legal system, but so far only a few countries have defined protocols for these reports. In recognition of the need for a specific qualification that benchmarks the competences and experience expected of forensic veterinary pathologists, the ECVP recently launched the Certificate in Forensic Veterinary Pathology.
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12
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Parry NMA, Stoll A. The rise of veterinary forensics. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 306:110069. [PMID: 31830618 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary forensics is rapidly emerging as a distinct branch of veterinary medicine, especially because of increasing mindfulness about animal cruelty, and of the link between acts of cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. Nevertheless, the application of forensic sciences in veterinary cases lags behind its application in medical cases. Although gaps persist in veterinarians' knowledge of forensics and in how to apply this field to medicolegal cases involving animals, continued research and publication in veterinary forensics are rapidly developing the evidence base in this area. Additionally, educational opportunities in veterinary forensics are also increasing at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Together, these changes will continue to improve veterinarians' abilities to investigate cases involving animals. To further strengthen these investigations, veterinarians should also collaborate with the appropriate experts in different disciplines of forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Stoll
- Veterinary Pathology Centre, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Francis Crick Road, GU2 7YW, United Kingdom
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Piegari G, De Biase D, d'Aquino I, Prisco F, Fico R, Ilsami R, Pozzato N, Genovese A, Paciello O. Diagnosis of Drowning and the Value of the Diatom Test in Veterinary Forensic Pathology. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:404. [PMID: 31799284 PMCID: PMC6868027 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of diatoms into the organs is considered an important “biological marker” for the diagnosis of drowning in human pathology, but it still has a high possibility for false positive results. The aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate the contribution of pathological examination in drowning cases and (2) to investigate the differences in the number and location of diatoms between animals who died in drowning and non-drowning conditions. For these purposes, 30 dead adult dogs were selected for the study and subdivided into five groups. The group A comprised six cadavers dead for drowning; the group B comprised six control animals; the groups C, D, and E comprised six animals dead for causes other than drowning and subsequently immersed in water for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. On each animal, a complete macroscopic and histological examination and diatom test were performed. Diatoms test and quantification were also performed on drowning mediums. Pathological findings of the animals in the group A showed pulmonary congestion, oedema, and hemorrages in the lung. However, similar injuries were also observed in control and experimentally submerged cadavers. In contrast, we observed a statistically differences between drowning animals and all experimentally submerged groups and control animals regarding diatom numbers recovered from organ tissue samples (p < 0.05). Therefore, these findings suggest that the number of diatoms may be used as a valid tool to differentiate animals who died in drowning and non-drowning conditions, even if the latter were found in an aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Piegari
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide De Biase
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria d'Aquino
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Prisco
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Fico
- National Center for the Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Grosseto, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ilsami
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Pozzato
- Verona Diagnostic Laboratory, Istituto Zooprofilattivo Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Angelo Genovese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Abstract
Low atmospheric pressure stunning (LAPS) is a novel approach to pre-slaughter stunning of chickens using progressive hypobaric hypoxia by the application of gradual decompression (280s cycle) according to a set of prescribed pressure curves. Low atmospheric pressure stunning produces a non-recovery state. Concerns have been raised relating to the possible pathological and welfare consequences of expansion of air in the body during LAPS. In a randomised trial, we compared the gross pathology of broilers exposed to LAPS with a control group euthanised by intravenous injection of pentobarbital sodium (60 mixed sex broilers per treatment). The birds were exposed to each treatment in triplets and all birds were subject to necropsy examination to detect and score (1 to 5, minimal to severe) haemorrhagic lesions or congestion for all major organs and cavities (e.g. air sacs, joints, ears and heart) as well as external assessment for product quality (e.g. wing tips). Behavioural data (latency to loss of posture and motionless) and chamber cycle data (temperature, humidity, pressure and oxygen availability) confirmed that LAPS had been applied in a manner representative of the commercial process. All of the organs observed were structurally intact for both treatment groups. No lesions were observed in the external ears, oral cavity, tracheal lumen, crop and air sacs of birds from either treatment group. There was no difference between treatments in the wingtips, nasal turbinates, thymus, biceps femoralis and colon. Haemorrhagic lesions were observed in the calvaria, brains, hearts and lungs of both treatment groups, but lesions in these areas were more severe in the LAPS treatment group. It was not possible to distinguish between pathological changes induced by decompression or recompression. In the barbiturate group, more severe haemorrhagic lesions were observed in the superficial pectoral muscles as well as greater congestion of the infraorbital sinuses, liver, spleens, duodenum, kidneys and gonads. These findings provide evidence that LAPS did not result in distension of the intestines and air sacs sufficient to cause changes, which were grossly visible on postmortem examination. There was also no evidence of barotrauma in the ears and sinuses. The pathological changes observed in the barbiturate treatment were as expected based on barbiturate toxicity. Low atmospheric pressure stunning appears to produce pathological changes by a variety of well-established mechanisms, and while these pathological data have limited value as welfare indicators, the results confirm that organ integrity was not compromised by the process.
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Rate of Cooling in a Moose ( Alces alces) Carcass. J Wildl Dis 2018; 55:710-712. [PMID: 30485166 DOI: 10.7589/2018-05-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem body temperature is used to estimate time of death in humans, but the available models are not validated for most nonhuman species. Here, we report that cooling in an adult female moose (Alces alces) equipped with a rumen temperature monitor was extremely slow, with a rumen temperature of 27-28 C as late as 40 h postmortem.
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Reijnen G, Vos P, Buster M, Reijnders U. Can pulmonary foam arise after postmortem submersion in water? An animal experimental pilot study. J Forensic Leg Med 2018; 61:40-44. [PMID: 30447643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
It is difficult to differentiate drowning from postmortem submersion. Pulmonary foam can be found in bodies retrieved from water. It is unknown whether foam is a result of drowning or if it also forms after postmortem submersion. We divided deceased piglets into three groups: postmortem saltwater submersion (N = 20), postmortem freshwater submersion (N = 20) and dry-land controls (N = 20). All carcasses underwent endoscopic examination within 24 h of death and the presence of external and internal pulmonary foam was scored. No external foam was detected in the postmortem freshwater or the postmortem saltwater group. Internal foam was seen in 35% of the postmortem freshwater and 40% of the postmortem saltwater group. No external or internal foam was detected in the dry land control group. The literature shows external as well as internal foam in drowned humans. Internal foam is seen in postmortem submersion in the current piglet study and antemortem submersion in the literature in humans, and can therefore not be used to support/refute the diagnosis of drowning. No external foam was present in the postmortem submersed piglets, yet has been described in drowned humans. Hence the presence of external foam in bodies recovered from water may be indicative for drowning. The presence of external foam is a potentially valuable clinical sign in distinguishing drowning from postmortem submersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Reijnen
- Amsterdam Public Health Service, Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem, the Netherlands.
| | - Petra Vos
- Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem, the Netherlands.
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Forensic age determination of human inflicted porcine bruises inflicted within 10 h prior to slaughter by application of gene expression signatures. Res Vet Sci 2018; 120:47-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Vitali M, Conte S, Lessard M, Deschêne K, Benoit-Biancamano M, Celeste C, Martelli G, Sardi L, Guay F, Faucitano L. Use of the spectrophotometric color method for the determination of the age of skin lesions on the pig carcass and its relationship with gene expression and histological and histochemical parameters1. J Anim Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2017.1813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Barington K, Jensen HE. Forensic aspects of incised wounds and bruises in pigs established post-mortem. Res Vet Sci 2017; 112:42-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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21
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Jespersen A, Jensen HE, Agger JF, Heegaard PMH, Damborg P, Aalbæk B, Hammer AS. The effect of color type on early wound healing in farmed mink (Neovison vison). BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:135. [PMID: 28532438 PMCID: PMC5440898 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1052-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual differences of mink, including color type, are speculated to affect the course of wound healing, thereby impacting wound assessment and management on the farms, as well as the assessment of wounds in forensic cases. In this study, we examined the effect of color type on early wound healing in farmed mink. Full thickness excisional wounds (2 × 2 cm) were made on the back in 18 mink of the color types Brown, Silverblue and Blue Iris. Gross and microscopic pathology of the wounds was evaluated 2 days post-wounding together with degree of wound size reduction, presence of bacteria and blood analyses. RESULTS Pathological examination on day 2 showed the greatest mean wound size reduction in Brown mink (11.0%) followed by Blue Iris (7.9%) and Silverblue (1.6%). Bacteria were cultured from all wounds, and predominantly Staphylococcus species were recovered in mixed or pure culture. Histopathology from day 2 wounds showed a scab overlying necrotic wound edges, which were separated from underlying vital tissue by a demarcation zone rich in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Fibroblasts and plump endothelial cells were more numerous in the deeper tissues. Complete blood count parameters were within normal ranges in most cases, however, the mink showed mildly to markedly decreased hematocrit and six mink of the color types Silverblue and Blue Iris showed moderately elevated numbers of circulating segmented neutrophils on day 2. There was a marked increase in concentration of serum amyloid A from day 0 to day 2 in all color types. CONCLUSIONS We have described differences in early wound healing between mink of the color types Brown, Silverblue and Blue Iris by use of an experimental wound model in farmed mink. The most pronounced difference pertained to the degree of wound size reduction which was greatest in Brown mink, followed by Blue Iris and Silverblue, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Jespersen
- Kopenhagen Fur, Langagervej 60, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - H. E. Jensen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - J. F. Agger
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - P. M. H. Heegaard
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Bülowsvej 27, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - P. Damborg
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - B. Aalbæk
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - A. S. Hammer
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Nijs HGT, Gerretsen RRR, Stoel RD, Endenburg N, Gröne A. Commentary on: Intarapanich NP, McCobb EC, Reisman RW, Rozanski EA, Intarapanich PP. Characterization and comparison of injuries caused by accidental and non-accidental blunt force trauma in dogs and cats. J Forensic Sci 2016 Jul;61(4):993-9. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:829. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hubert G. T. Nijs
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Netherlands Forensic Institute; PO Box 24044 2490 AA The Hague Netherlands
| | - Reza R. R. Gerretsen
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Netherlands Forensic Institute; PO Box 24044 2490 AA The Hague Netherlands
| | - Reinoud D. Stoel
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Netherlands Forensic Institute; PO Box 24044 2490 AA The Hague Netherlands
| | - Nienke Endenburg
- Department of Animals in Science and Society; Utrecht University; Utrecht Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Department of Pathobiology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; Utrecht Netherlands
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23
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Fucci N, Campobasso CP, Mastrogiuseppe L, Puccinelli C, Marcheggiani S, Mancini L, Marino L, Pascali VL. Diatoms in drowning cases in forensic veterinary context: a preliminary study. Int J Legal Med 2017; 131:1573-1580. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1565-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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24
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Salvagni FA, de Siqueira A, Fukushima AR, Landi MFDA, Ponge-Ferreira H, Maiorka PC. Animal serial killing: The first criminal conviction for animal cruelty in Brazil. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 267:e1-e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Barington K, Dich-Jørgensen K, Jensen HE. A retrospective study of forensic cases of skin ulcerations in Danish pigs from 2000 to 2014. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:48. [PMID: 27421255 PMCID: PMC4946115 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0229-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulcerations in pigs, as in other farm animals, are considered to be painful and therefore hampering the welfare. Farmers are obliged to provide an intervention to protect animals against unnecessary suffering and failure to do so is considered negligence. Moreover, animals with severe open wounds are considered unfit for transportation and so are pigs with ulcerations located on hernias. This paper presents a retrospective study of forensic case files concerning ulcerations in Danish pigs from 2000 to 2014. The aim of the study was to clarify the number of cases, the number of pigs, the anatomical localization and size of ulcerations, evaluate changes during years and the age of the lesions. RESULTS A total of 209 case files concerning 283 pigs with 459 ulcerations were included. In 2004, 2005, 2007-2009 and 2011, sows with shoulder ulcerations were the most frequently submitted, while in 2014 pigs with ulcerations on umbilical outpouchings dominated. The change in pattern on body location most likely reflects specific national regulations enforced from 2003 to 2009. The ulcerations were estimated to be from 4 h to several months old and the median diameter of ulcerations was 4 cm. CONCLUSIONS Since 2004, the number of cases per year has declined. However, the number of affected pigs has remained almost constant from 2004 to 2014 (23.8 ± 8.5 pigs per year). The change in pattern on body parts with ulcerations likely reflected specific national regulations.
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Abstract
Determining the cause of death in animals recovered from bodies of water, swimming pools, or other water-containing vessels is challenging. Animals recovered from water may or may not have drowned. The diagnosis of drowning is usually one of exclusion, requiring information from the crime scene, recovery scene, the medical history or reliable witness accounts. While there are characteristic macroscopic and microscopic lesions of drowning, none are specific and are dependent on the volume and tonicity of the drowning medium. Beyond interpreting the postmortem findings, the court may ask pathologists to comment on the behavioral and welfare implications of drowning. This requires an understanding of the drowning process, which is a complex series of sequential, concurrent, and overlapping cardiorespiratory reflexes, electrolyte and blood gas abnormalities, aspiration, physical exhaustion, and breathlessness eventually culminating in death. This review addresses the mechanisms, lesions, and diagnostic issues associated with drowning in nonaquatic companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. J. McEwen
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - J. Gerdin
- Antech Diagnostics, Hunt Valley, MD, USA
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Abstract
Veterinary pathologists commonly encounter lesions of blunt trauma. The development of lesions is affected by the object’s mass, velocity, size, shape, and angle of impact and by the plasticity and mobility of the impacted organ. Scrape, impact, and pattern abrasions cause localized epidermal loss and sometimes broken hairs and implanted foreign material. Contusions are best identified after reflecting the skin, and must be differentiated from coagulopathies and livor mortis. Lacerations—traumatic tissue tears—may have irregular margins, bridging by more resilient tissue, deviation of the wound tail, crushed hairs, and unilateral abrasion. Hanging or choking can cause circumferential cervical abrasions, contusions and rupture of hairs, hyoid bone fractures, and congestion of the head. Other special forms of blunt trauma include fractured nails, pressure sores, and dog bites. Ocular blunt trauma causes extraocular and intraocular hemorrhages, proptosis, or retinal detachment. The thoracic viscera are relatively protected from blunt trauma but may develop hemorrhages in intercostal muscles, rib fractures, pulmonary or cardiac contusions or lacerations with subsequent hemothorax, pneumothorax, or cardiac arrhythmia. The abdominal wall is resilient and moveable, yet the liver and spleen are susceptible to traumatic laceration or rupture. Whereas extravasation of blood can occur after death, evidence of vital injury includes leukocyte infiltration, erythrophagocytosis, hemosiderin, reparative lesions of fibroblast proliferation, myocyte regeneration in muscle, and callus formation in bone. Understanding these processes aids in the diagnosis of blunt force trauma including estimation of the age of resulting injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Ressel
- Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
| | - U. Hetzel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E. Ricci
- Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
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Newbery SG, Cooke SW, Martineau HM. A Perspective on Veterinary Forensic Pathology and Medicine in the United Kingdom. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:894-7. [PMID: 27371542 DOI: 10.1177/0300985816654527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Internationally, forensic medicine and pathology are increasingly recognized as an important aspect of work done by veterinary clinicians and veterinary pathologists. In this article, a forensic veterinary clinician, a forensic veterinary pathologist in private practice, and a forensic veterinary pathologist at a veterinary school discuss the interactions among veterinary clinicians, veterinary pathologists, and law enforcement agencies and how future interactions can be improved. The focus is on the United Kingdom, but many of the principles, challenges, and suggestions are applicable to other jurisdictions. Clinicians and pathologists require forensic training to enable them to apply their veterinary knowledge to suspected cases of animal abuse and to subsequently present their findings and conclusions to a court of law in a concise, professional, and unbiased manner, and some opportunities for such advanced training in the United Kingdom are indicated. It is important that forensic veterinary clinicians and pathologists interact in an unbiased and collegial manner to answer the questions posed by courts of law. Opportunities for improved training, communication, and interaction among forensic veterinarians, forensic scientists, and law enforcement are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Newbery
- Greenside Veterinary Surgery, Greenside, Staincross, UK University of Staffordshire Forensic Sciences Department, Barnsley, South Yorks, UK
| | - S W Cooke
- Veterinary Advisors Ltd., Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - H M Martineau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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Abstract
Investigation of animal-related crime, and therefore submission of forensic cases to veterinary pathology facilities, is increasing, yet many veterinary pathologists are unfamiliar and often uncomfortable with involvement in the forensic necropsy. This article discusses various aspects of the forensic necropsy without specific attention to any particular species group or crime. General advice is given on procedures, documentation, and recording of the examination, and the article indicates how these features may differ from those used in investigation of natural disease. It also discusses evidence management, including recordkeeping, identification of evidence, labeling of photographs, and use of standard operating procedures and protocols. Various written and visual methods for documentation of the forensic necropsy are covered, and adjunctive topics such as sample collection, assessment, and description of wounds and taphonomy are included. Cause, mechanism, and manner of death are defined, and guidance to the use of these terms is given. The aim of this article is to offer guidance on procedural aspects of the forensic necropsy that will help those developing their forensic services, contribute to standardization of the provision of forensic veterinary pathology, and build the confidence of the "uncomfortable" forensic veterinary pathologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Brooks Brownlie
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - R Munro
- Royal Veterinary College, London and Royal School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Abstract
A thorough understanding of the physical and chemical changes that occur in the body after death is critical for accurate interpretation of gross and microscopic pathology at autopsy. Furthermore, knowledge of the postmortem processes and the factors that affect them will aid in the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI). The estimation of the PMI is important in many human and animal death investigations. Despite many decades of research, accuracy in estimation of the time of death has not significantly improved, and no single method can be reliably used to accurately estimate the time of death. Great care should be taken when formulating such an estimate, for it is dependent on multiple circumstantial and environmental factors, and the accuracy and precision of the estimate decrease as the PMI increases. The majority of the research in the field has been conducted on human bodies, but many relevant conclusions may be drawn regarding the expected postmortem changes in animals and the estimation of the PMI. The veterinary pathologist must use great caution when attempting to extrapolate data and apply formulas designed for use in humans. Methods reviewed include gross changes, microscopic changes, temperature-based methods, postmortem chemistry, molecular methods, microbial assay, ocular changes, radiography, entomology, and others. Although only several of these methods are currently practical for use in the workup of cases, it is expected that future research will result in improved techniques with enhanced accuracy in the estimation of the PMI, which will benefit both human and veterinary forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Brooks
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Listos P, Gryzinska M, Kowalczyk M. Analysis of cases of forensic veterinary opinions produced in a research and teaching unit. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 36:84-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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32
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Poisoning of cats and dogs by the carbamate pesticides aldicarb and carbofuran. Res Vet Sci 2015; 102:142-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Cattaneo C, Maderna E, Rendinelli A, Gibelli D. Animal experimentation in forensic sciences: How far have we come? Forensic Sci Int 2015. [PMID: 26216717 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the third millennium where ethical, ethological and cultural evolution seem to be leading more and more towards an inter-species society, the issue of animal experimentation is a moral dilemma. Speaking from a self-interested human perspective, avoiding all animal testing where human disease and therapy are concerned may be very difficult or even impossible; such testing may not be so easily justifiable when suffering-or killing-of non human animals is inflicted for forensic research. In order to verify how forensic scientists are evolving in this ethical issue, we undertook a systematic review of the current literature. We investigated the frequency of animal experimentation in forensic studies in the past 15 years and trends in publication in the main forensic science journals. Types of species, lesions inflicted, manner of sedation or anesthesia and euthanasia were examined in a total of 404 articles reviewed, among which 279 (69.1%) concerned studies involving animals sacrificed exclusively for the sake of the experiment. Killing still frequently includes painful methods such as blunt trauma, electrocution, mechanical asphyxia, hypothermia, and even exsanguination; of all these animals, apparently only 60.8% were anesthetized. The most recent call for a severe reduction if not a total halt to the use of animals in forensic sciences was made by Bernard Knight in 1992. In fact the principle of reduction and replacement, frequently respected in clinical research, must be considered the basis for forensic science research needing animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - E Maderna
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - A Rendinelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - D Gibelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Ottinger T, Rasmusson B, Segerstad CHA, Merck M, Goot FVD, Olsén L, Gavier-Widén D. Forensic veterinary pathology, today's situation and perspectives. Vet Rec 2014; 175:459. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.102306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Ottinger
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases; National Veterinary Institute (SVA); Uppsala SE-751 89 Sweden
| | - B. Rasmusson
- The Swedish National Laboratory of Forensic Science (SKL); Linköping SE-581 94 Sweden
| | - C. H. A. Segerstad
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases; National Veterinary Institute (SVA); Uppsala SE-751 89 Sweden
| | - M. Merck
- Veterinary Forensics Consulting; Marietta GA 30066 USA
| | - F. V. D. Goot
- Symbiant Pathology Expert Centre; Wilhelminalaan 12 Alkmaar 1815 JD The Netherlands
| | - L. Olsén
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health; Swedish University of Agricultural Science; Box 7028 Uppsala SE-750 07 Sweden
| | - D. Gavier-Widén
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases; National Veterinary Institute (SVA); Uppsala SE-751 89 Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health; Swedish University of Agricultural Science; Box 7028 Uppsala SE-750 07 Sweden
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Analysis of suspected wildlife crimes submitted for forensic examinations in Scotland. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2014; 10:357-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-014-9568-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Assisted suicide and killing of a household pet: pre-autopsy post-mortem imaging of a victim and a dog. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2013; 10:122-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-013-9498-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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