Module 7.1

Question 1

Necropsy/Autopsy/Postmortem Examination

Answer 1

Exam AFTER death
-supplemental diagnostics performed
Necropsy-postmortem exam on an animal
Autopsy for humans
Board certified pathologists, vets with anatomic pathology residency, vets w no residency/training

Question 2

Necropsy

Answer 2

Diagnostic autopsy
-establish nature of the disease
-study disease pathology
Forensic autopsy
-determine cause and mechanism of death
-collect evidence
-estimate time since death
-documentation of findings and presentation to courts

Question 3

Cause of death (COD)

Answer 3

Injury, disease, or combination of 2 that results in death of animal
-ex: GSW, LSA (spleen rupture)

Question 4

Mechanism of death

Answer 4

Alterations of physiology and biochemistry whereby cause exerts its lethal effect
-CHF
-arrhythmia
-septicemia
-asphyxia…

Question 5

Manner of death

Answer 5

In humans: natural, non-natural, undetermined
Not used in vet med

Question 6

Case history

Answer 6

Document with co-morbidities, storage, crime scene photos, etc. to better determine things during the autopsy
-need to know who provides info and to explain the pathological findings
Scene info