Forensic assessment of poisoning in animals

Abstract

Authors have presented the basic features of forensic assessment in poisoning cases in veterinary medicine. Poisoning
of animals may arise accidentally due to inattention of the owner, as well as with someone’s malicious intention usually
with the aim of harming the animal owner. Today there is an increased frequency of animal intoxication cases with diff erent
materials which in most cases include disinfectants, pest and rodent control agents, chemicals widespread used in everyday
life, human drugs, some food ingredients, synthetic fertilizer and numerous other toxic substances. The role of the veterinarian
expert in such cases is by the investigation of the environment and clinical examination of the intoxicated animal to establish
the etiology of poisoning, the length of exposure and possible therapy which provides a basis for establishing standards in
therapeutic treatment as well as for distinction between accidental and intentional poisonings. In the cases of lethal outcomes
of poisoning, next to investigative activities precious data are obtained by autopsy and chemical and toxicological analyzes.