Basic & Advanced Forensic Examination & Interpretation

Question 1

T/F: As a veterinarian you are NOT expected to know whether an action qualifies as an act of cruelty or neglect.

Answer 1

true

Question 2

If it turns out in the case that the animal may have been harmed through neglect or intent, what is your role as the vet if the case goes to trial?

Answer 2

Remain credible by sticking t the medical facts when you are testifying. You should not overstate the findings and should avoid becoming emotionally involved with the case.

Question 3

What are the 5 components of approaching forensic medical exams?

Answer 3

1. assign animal a case # that will be used on all documents
2. photograph the animal (5 views)
3. weigh the animal and record BCS
4. perform a detailed physical exam
5. document all findings with photographs and include the animals ID # as well as rulers or other points of reference to assist in describing the extent of the injury.

Question 4

Records for a forensic exam should include…

Answer 4

1. info about the animals behavior and state of comfort describing any deviations & sources of deviation
2. diagnostic tests that demonstrate extent of injury/harm (BW, xrays, u/s, etc.) and their results
3. medical interpretation

Question 5

The goals of a forensics exam on a deceased animal include:

Answer 5

1. determine cause of death
2. determine manner of death (non-accidental, accidental, natural, undetermined)
3. include contributing causes
4. establish a time of death

Question 6

__________ is a process of documentation so evidence is accounted for at all times

Answer 6

chain of custody

Question 7

What are 4 post-mortem changes (and their definitions) that provide information about an animals death and/or time of death?

Answer 7

• livor mortis – pooling of blood d/t gravity in dependent body sites after the heart stops
• rigor mortis – PM muscle contractions that immobilize joints of body

-decomposition – involves process of tissue putrefaction and autolysis

• presence of insects or maggots

Question 8

If the case goes to court and the medical findings do not support the criminal charge, is the veterinarian held liable?

Answer 8

not in virginia.

Question 9

What are a few “extra steps” taken in forensic necropsies that are not routinely done in regular necropsies?

Answer 9

• careful documentation
• carcass skinned to look for injuries
• preliminary reports NOT issued
• additional tests – xrays, alternative light source, toxicology
• report normal and abnormal findings
• report written for lay people rather than vets

Question 10

________ uses different wavelengths of light to detect trace evidence.

Answer 10

alternative light source

Question 11

what are the 2 types of toxicology tests performed in forensic necropsy cases?

Answer 11

• gas chromatography mass spectrometry
• liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

Question 12

T/F: toxicology tests can only determine the presence of a compound, not the dosage.

Answer 12

true

Question 13

forensic necropsies should be performed by …

Answer 13

Someone who have experience and expertise (board certified vet pathologist, vet with expertise in forensic cases, other vets)

Question 14

what are 2 challenges of forensic necropsies?

Answer 14

1. decomposition
2. lack of scientific literature and difficulty extrapolating from human studies

Question 15

Non-accidental injuries are associated with: (choose the correct option for each)

(more/less) fractures
(more/less) body regions affected
(more/less) transverse fractures
fractures at (different/same) stages of healing

Answer 15

(more) fractures
(more) body regions affected
(more) transverse fractures
fractures at (different) stages of healing

Question 16

what type of injuries are associated with motor vehicle accidents?

Answer 16

• pelvic fractures
• pneumothorax
• pulmonary contusions
• abrasions
• degloving wounds
• rib fractures in clusters on one side, usually cranial