Wounds and Injuries
6 Wounds and Injuries Introduction A wound is generally considered to be a skin injury, caused by some external force, that may extend to deeper tissues. However, external forces may…
Firearms Injuries
8 Firearms Injuries Introduction Every year, millions of animals are shot. Most of this shooting is sanctioned by society and is not illegal. Veterinarians may, however, become involved in cases…
Traps and Snares
11 Traps and Snares Introduction Traps of various designs have been used since humankind learned to hunt. They form an important part of the arsenal of methods employed, worldwide, to…
Thermal Injuries
7 Thermal Injuries Introduction Thermal injuries are caused by: • Direct (contact) heat such as a flame, hot surface (including electrocution burns) or hot liquid • Radiant heat, e.g. a…
Asphyxia and Drowning
9 Asphyxia and Drowning Introduction The term asphyxia covers a number of conditions that result in interference with uptake and utilisation of oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide. Asphyxia can…
Bite Injuries
12 Bite Injuries Introduction There are two immediate issues to be addressed when examining an animal with possible bite injuries. The first is to decide whether the lesions are the…
Injuries Associated with Physical Agents
10 Injuries Associated with Physical Agents Hyperthermia/heat stroke Heat stroke is a result of exposure to a hot environment where the normal physiological mechanisms, used to maintain the core body…
Estimation of Time since Death
13 Estimation of Time since Death Introduction The ‘time since death’, or post-mortem interval, is the time that has elapsed between the death of an animal and the discovery of…
