Post-mortem analysis of gunshot wounds to the head and thorax in dogs by computed tomography, radiography and forensic necropsy.

In view of the scarcity of literature data on the use of radiological imaging techniques in forensic veterinary medicine, while at the same time the number of reported crimes against animals involving the use of firearms is rising, this paper attempts to assess the usefulness of radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the post-mortem diagnosis of gunshot wounds (GSW) in comparison to classic necropsy. The design of the experiment was as follows: preparation of the research material (13 dog carcasses), shooting of the material from different distances (1.5 and 12 m, plus one contact shot to the head) and using different types of ammunition, followed by X-rays and CT scans in each case to examine the injuries resulting from the shot. The final steps of the experiment were photographic documentation and autopsy by the Virchow method. In the examined material, post-traumatic bone lesions and the presence of metallic foreign bodies were successfully imaged by both radiography and CT. GSW analysis using CT provided much better data quality and some additional information. Two general conclusions can be drawn from the results of the experiment. First, damage caused by gunshots is correlated with the calibre, initial velocity and kinetic energy of the projectile, as well as the distance from the muzzle of the gun to the object shot. Second, radiological examination is useful in preparing forensic veterinary opinions. Used as a complement to classic necropsy, they increase the possibility of an accurate post-mortem diagnosis of shooting victims.

Principales modelos experimentales de traumatismo craneoencefálico: de la preclínica a los modelos in vitro / Experimental models in traumatic brain injury: from animal models to in vitro assays

El traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) es una de las patologías más importantes en la actualidad, ya que afecta a un alto porcentaje de individuos de todas las edades. A pesar de los avances en el campo del diagnóstico, la monitorización y el tratamiento del TCE, quedan importantes cuestiones sin resolver alrededor de la fisiopatología de este tipo de traumatismo. Con el fin de profundizar en dicho conocimiento y poder evaluar y aplicar un posible tratamiento que resulte eficaz para estos pacientes, se han desarrollado diferentes modelos experimentales que simulan los mecanismos de acción y el cuadro clínico del TCE. A su vez, cada modelo representa un determinado tipo de traumatismo y evalúa un aspecto concreto de la cascada fisiopatológica desencadenada tras el TCE. El objetivo de este trabajo es detallar los principales modelos experimentales que abordan la lesión cerebral tras un TCE, así como su potencial traslación a la práctica clínica diaria

Traumatic brain Injury (TBI) is a major public healthcare concern, affecting people of all ages. Despite advances in the diagnosis, monitoring and clinical management of TBI, many unresolved questions remain regarding its physiopathology. In an attempt to understand the pathological features of TBI and to evaluate single potential therapeutic strategies, various animal models have been developed to simulate the mechanisms of action and the clinical manifestations of TBI patients. In turn, each model represents a specific type of trauma and evaluates a specific physiopathological aspect of the cascade triggered as a result of TBI. This review describes the main experimental models currently available referred to TBI and their possible application to the clinical setting

The effects of bolt length on penetration hole characteristics, brain damage and specified-risk material dispersal in finished cattle stunned with a penetrating captive bolt stunner.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of captive bolt lengths on penetration hole characteristics, brain damage, and specified risk material (SRM) dispersal. Cattle were stunned with a pneumatic captive bolt stunner using: standard (15.2 cm; STRD), medium (16.5 cm; MED), or long (17.8 cm; LON) bolts. Heads (N = 293) and exsanguination blood (N = 103) were collected for analyses. Penetration hole diameter and depth differed by treatment (P ≤ 0.004); both parameters were greatest for LON (P < 0.05). Presence of damage in frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, olfactory bulb, and collective area including the corpus callosum, fornix and thalamus were impacted by treatment (P < 0.003). Treatment did not impact SRM dispersal (P = 0.33), determined by presence of glial acidic fibrillary protein. Data suggest that bolt length affects both the extent of brain damage and the specific structures damaged but all bolt lengths are successful in causing substantial brain damage and subsequent insensibility.

Achieving humane outcomes in killing livestock by free bullet I: Penetrating brain injury.

Humane killing of farm animals by free bullet is a commonly used second-best option in emergency situations and disease control operations. Theoretical justification has been weak in experimental reports of firearm system use in the field. Veterinarians require an in-depth understanding of killing with free bullet to take corrective action when systems fail under field application. This review describes the technical considerations in choosing safe, effective firearm systems to effectively kill minimally restrained livestock at close range. Frequently referenced firearm/bullet recommendations are excessively powerful and unnecessarily hazardous. Based on ballistic energetic performance and mechanical design, the rifle chambered for low energy pistol ammunition, using non-toxic controlled expanding bullets, has the technical capability to deliver immediate insensibility and death at a distance of 5 m or less. At 1 m distance, the .410 shotgun with steel or porcelain shot meets the environmental safety, ballistic, and mechanical challenges and has workplace safety advantages over rifle-based systems.

Atteinte de résultats non cruels lors de l'abattage du bétail par balle libre. I : lésion cérébrale par pénétration. L'abattage sans cruauté des animaux de ferme par balle libre est une option de deuxième choix communément utilisée dans des situations d'urgence et des opérations de maitrise des maladies. La justification théorique a été faible dans les rapports expérimentaux sur l'utilisation de systèmes d'armes à feu sur le terrain. Les vétérinaires ont besoin d'une compréhension approfondie de l'abattage par balle libre afin de prendre des mesures correctrices lors de l'échec des systèmes dans l'application sur le terrain. Ce compte rendu décrit les considérations techniques pour le choix de systèmes d'armes à feu efficaces afin de tuer efficacement à courte distance du bétail retenu de façon minimale. Les recommandations fréquemment mentionnées pour les armes et les balles sont excessivement puissantes et inutilement dangereuses. Selon la performance énergétique balistique et la conception mécanique, l'arme à feu chambrée pour des munitions de pistolet à faible énergie, en utilisant des balles à expansion contrôlée non toxiques, possède la capacité technique d'infliger une insensibilité immédiate et la mort à une distance de 5 m ou moins. À une distance de 1 m, le fusil .410 avec de la grenaille d'acier ou de porcelaine satisfait aux exigences en matière d'environnement, de balistique et de mécanique et présente des avantages pour la sécurité au travail par rapport aux systèmes à carabines.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Imaging characteristics and treatment of a penetrating brain injury caused by an oropharyngeal foreign body in a dog.

A 4-year-old Border collie was presented with one episode of collapse, altered mentation, and a suspected pharyngeal stick injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography showed a linear foreign body penetrating the right oropharynx, through the foramen ovale and the brain parenchyma. The foreign body was surgically removed and medical treatment initiated. Complete resolution of clinical signs was noted at recheck 8 weeks later. Repeat MRI showed chronic secondary changes in the brain parenchyma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the advanced imaging findings and successful treatment of a penetrating oropharyngeal intracranial foreign body in a dog.

Brain abscess in seven cats due to a bite wound: MRI findings, surgical management and outcome.

UNLABELLED: PRESENTATION AND LESION LOCALISATION: Seven adult domestic shorthair cats were presented with a 1- to 6-day history of progressive neurological signs. A focal skin puncture and subcutaneous swelling over the dorsal part of the head were detected on physical examination. Neurological examination indicated lesion(s) in the right forebrain in four cats, multifocal forebrain in one cat, left forebrain in one cat, and multifocal forebrain and brainstem in the remaining cat. In all cats, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a space-occupying forebrain lesion causing a severe mass effect on adjacent brain parenchyma. CLINICAL APPROACH AND OUTCOME: All cats were managed with a combination of medical and surgical treatment. At surgery a small penetrating calvarial fracture was detected in all cats, and a tooth fragment was found within the content of the abscess in two cats. The combination of surgical intervention, intensive care and intravenous antimicrobials led to a return to normal neurological function in five cats. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: As this series of cases indicates, successful resolution of a brain abscess due to a bite injury depends on early recognition and combined used of antimicrobials and surgical intervention. A particular aim of surgery is to remove any skull and foreign body (tooth) fragments that may represent a continuing focus of infection.

Traumatic pneumocephalus in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 17-month-old dog was evaluated because of progressive tetraparesis. The dog had a history of craniofacial trauma at 2 months of age. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Results of a neurologic examination were suggestive of a lesion localized to the medulla. Computed tomography revealed extensive pneumocephalus extending throughout the ventricular system and into the cranial cervical subarachnoid space. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Because of the deterioration in the dog's clinical condition, an emergency bilateral transfrontal craniectomy was performed. A large amount of pyogranulomatous material was found intraoperatively. Neurologic and computed tomographic abnormalities were no longer evident during a recheck examination 8 weeks after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that pneumocephalus should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs with neurologic signs of an intracranial abnormality, particularly if the dog has a history of craniofacial trauma.