Veterinary Forensics Flashcards
(T/F) It is an AVMA policy that veterinarian’s are required to report suspected abuse cases.
(T)
(T/F) It is mandatory by Virginia state law that veterinarian’s are required to report suspected abuse cases.
(T)
(T/F) The animal is considered evidence in abuse cases.
(T)
What is the chain of custody?
(Documentation of every person who comes in contact with the evidence → includes anything collected at the scene, the animal, samples taken from the animal, etc.)
What should be included about a piece of evidence in an evidence log?
(An identifying item number and a description)
Rephrase this statement to better support your testimony: “I think that weapon could have possibly made these wounds.”
(Something along the lines of “that weapon is consistent with these wounds”)
Rephrase this statement to better support your testimony: “I believe this animal was subject to starvation based on this photo series and findings.”
(Something along the lines of “it is within medical certainty that this animal was subject to starvation based on the evidence gathered which is depicted here” or “the evidence gathered is consistent with starvation”, etc.)
Pair the following descriptions with their terms:
Mechanism of death
A - Any condition that animal had that could have contributed to death or injury → clotting disorder in an animal with gunshot wound that died from hypovolemic shock
B - Injury or disease that began sequence of events that led to the death of the animal → gunshot wound, stab wound, blunt force trauma
C - Circumstances surrounding the death → non-accidental, accidental, natural, undetermined
D - Biological or physiological abnormality that result in death → shock, septicemia, cardiorespiratory arrest
(D)
Pair the following descriptions with their terms:
Cause of death
A - Any condition that animal had that could have contributed to death or injury → clotting disorder in an animal with gunshot wound that died from hypovolemic shock
B - Injury or disease that began sequence of events that led to the death of the animal → gunshot wound, stab wound, blunt force trauma
C - Circumstances surrounding the death → non-accidental, accidental, natural, undetermined
D - Biological or physiological abnormality that result in death → shock, septicemia, cardiorespiratory arrest
(B)
Pair the following descriptions with their terms:
Manner of death
A - Any condition that animal had that could have contributed to death or injury → clotting disorder in an animal with gunshot wound that died from hypovolemic shock
B - Injury or disease that began sequence of events that led to the death of the animal → gunshot wound, stab wound, blunt force trauma
C - Circumstances surrounding the death → non-accidental, accidental, natural, undetermined
D - Biological or physiological abnormality that result in death → shock, septicemia, cardiorespiratory arrest
(C)
Pair the following descriptions with their terms:
Contributory cause
A - Any condition that animal had that could have contributed to death or injury → clotting disorder in an animal with gunshot wound that died from hypovolemic shock
B - Injury or disease that began sequence of events that led to the death of the animal → gunshot wound, stab wound, blunt force trauma
C - Circumstances surrounding the death → non-accidental, accidental, natural, undetermined
D - Biological or physiological abnormality that result in death → shock, septicemia, cardiorespiratory arrest
(A)
What is the best way to collect and sustain DNA samples?
(On a swab and allow it to dry, will degrade in plastic bags)
Why should plastic tweezers be used on bullets and other metal objects?
(Will not leave scrape marks → these can interfere with bullet markings and make it harder to match a bullet to the weapon that fired it, making it an arguable point for defense lawyers)
What should be documented in every live animal forensic science examination and case, that is optimally evaluated at the crime scene, and is great for supporting evidence of pain?
(Animal behavior)
What are the IVFSA minimum standards for diagnostics to be performed if on a live animal after thorough examination?
(Radiographs, fecal evaluation, basic blood work, and UA)
In cases of starvation, what about the animal is good to note (besides current weight and BCS) when someone might claim “they weren’t eating on their own”?
(Appetite → if the animal readily eats, obviously they would eat if offered food at home)
What are some bloodwork abnormalities you can expect to see in cases of starvation?
(Hypoglycemia, increased CK, increased liver values, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, stress leukogram, electrolyte abnormalities)
When performing a feed/forage analysis, what two values are you particularly looking at?
(ADF and NDF; ADF >45% poor nutrients and NDF >65 horses may not eat)
What is indicated by a bone marrow fat analysis being low?
(The animal was starved for a long time because bone marrow is the last place the body pulls fat from)
