Veterinary Forensic Pathology

This richly illustrated two-volume book offers a comprehensive and essential reference guide for veterinary pathologists and clinical veterinarians interested in performing animal necropsies for forensic casework. It presents a broad range of animal crime cases, with particular focus on the post mortem examination and the observed pathology.

This first volume introduces readers to veterinary forensics and the role of the veterinary pathologist in animal crime investigations. It guides them through the process of evidence collection and documentation, and covers the fundamentals of forensic necropsy and the estimation of time since death. In-depth descriptions of how to conduct the forensic evaluation of various traumatic injuries, firearm injuries, and asphyxia are also provided.

Jason W. Brooks, VMD, PhD, DACVP, is a veterinary pathologist from the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Penn State University. As a pioneer in the field of veterinary forensic pathology, he has forged a path toward advancement of the discipline by seeking out advanced training in forensic pathology and crime scene analysis from medical and law enforcement professionals. He routinely assists law enforcement with animal crimes investigations and strives to develop instructional materials and programs for veterinary pathologists and the law enforcement community. He conducts research on the estimation of the postmortem interval and the pathology of gunshot wounds and teaches graduate and undergraduate students in pathology and forensic sciences.