Forensic submissions in a diagnostic pathology practice: A 10-year review.

The types of submissions presented for forensic purposes to a private specialty practice in veterinary diagnostic pathology over a 10-year period are reviewed in this article. Records of forensic submissions were analyzed for diagnostic conclusions which were then categorized for a potential breach of law. In 34 of 66 total submissions, death was due to a cause other than potential violation of law.

Comparison of the efficacy of silver-based antimicrobial burn dressings in a porcine model of burn wounds.

Purpose: A variety of silver-based antimicrobial dressings are available on the market and are commonly used to prevent infection. Such prophylaxis is particularly important in treating burns, yet there is a paucity of evidence confirming the efficacy of commercially available dressingsin vivo. We describe here an in vivo porcine model of burns, which we use to test the antimicrobial efficacy of three common wound dressings and a control.

A Forensic Pathology Investigation of Dismembered Domestic Cats: Coyotes or Cults?

Dismembered cats ( Felis catus) have been found in North American schoolyards, parks, walkways, or lawns and sometimes result in local media attention. When a member of the public encounters these cats, they commonly report finding either the cranial or caudal half of a cat in a prominent location. Such findings cause public consternation and pose difficulties to investigators in identifying whether animal abuse has occurred and whether to concentrate resources on the investigation.

Fascioloides magna in Moose ( Alces alces) From Elk Island National Park, Alberta.

Thirty-seven adult female moose ( Alces alces) from 2 distinct but adjacent populations in Elk Island National Park (EINP), Alberta, Canada (19 in north EINP and 18 in south EINP), were fitted with mortality-sensing VHF radio-collars, and radio signals were acquired daily to ascertain mortality status. At capture, serum, whole blood, and feces were collected; pregnancy was determined; teeth were aged by visual inspection; and a portion of liver was assessed by ultrasound examination. Postmortem examination was conducted on 20 suitable carcasses.