The forensic necropsy

The primary differences between the forensic necropsy and the diagnostic necropsy are: the purpose of the examination, the documentation of the examination, and the collection of evidence generated during the examination. The forensic necropsy should consist of a thorough gross and microscopic examination of all major organ systems of the body including the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, musculoskeletal, urogenital, endocrine, lymphatic, and integumentary systems, as was described for a diagnostic exam. The individual requested by law enforcement to perform the forensic necropsy of an animal will hereafter be referred to as the veterinary examiner. The veterinary examiner, consistent with the use of the term medical examiner, does not define a specific professional background, but rather defines the role of the individual in the investigation. Radiographs are encouraged for all forensic cases; however, they should be considered compulsory for cases in which the body is incinerated or if skeletal injury, foreign body, or projectile injury is suspected.