1 Introduction
Microscopic examination (histopathology) of tissue samples is an important procedure in the diagnosis of disease. However, its use in forensic cases is generally limited. The veterinary aspects of the majority of forensic cases will be decided on gross lesions, rather than microscopic changes, and whether they match with other evidence in the case. There are particular circumstances where forensic histopathology can give convincing supportive evidence (see, for example, Chapter 9: Asphyxia and drowning). Nevertheless, in the current state of knowledge, care should be exercised about placing reliance on microscopic findings for assisting with, for example, the precise estimation of time since death and duration of injury.
As in all specialities, terminology is important – and is particularly crucial when dealing with the Courts. In general, Courts are familiar with ‘human’ terminology and it is usually helpful if the veterinarian, when giving evidence, adheres to accepted medical terms. An example is the confusion that can arise when veterinarians use a word such as ‘laceration’ when, in fact, they are describing an ‘incised wound’. Equally important is the avoidance, whenever possible, of technical terms. Latin or Greek names may be precise in a medical sense, but actually make no sense to the legal teams, judge or jury. When writing this book we have tried to limit the use of jargon so that it may be understandable to a wide audience. Similarly, the definitions provided in Chapter 2 (Fundamentals of animal abuse) are valuable in overcoming misunderstandings regarding classification and separation of the different types of abuse.
