Legal and technical aspects in exhumation cases of companion animals

Author(s)

Celina Seiko Takenaka

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2020-02-21

Examining board members

Claudia Momo; Fernanda Auciello Salvagni; Ana Cristina Tasaka

• Advisor: Claudia Momo

Abstract

Exhumation is a process used very often in forensic medicine and has a huge importance for investigation in cases of doubt about the cause of death, however, the exhumation in veterinary medicine is rare. This study aimed to describe the changes found in necropsy of exhumed dogs and cats, performed in the period of 2008 to 2019, in the Service of Animal Pathology of the Veterinary Hospital of the FMVZ/USP, besides to analyse the frequency of the causes of death and the diagnoses and to transcribe the legal aspects of the human exhumation to veterinary medicine. The complementary exams were performed in all cases, to assist in the ascertainment of the diagnosis, as histopathology exam, image examinations (computed tomography and radiografic examination), molecular tests and toxicology exams. Eight cases of necropsies in exhumed animals were raised. Macroscopic changes could be observed in all cases, among them 50% were related with mecanic and physical lesions and 25% were related to systemic changes. Regarding of the cause of death, 50% died due to neurogenic shock and 25% died of respiratoy failure due to infeccious diseases, 50% being related to non-compliance with article 32 of law number 9.605/98. In 25% of the cases, it was not possible to elucidate the cause of death and the diagnoses. Regarding the technical aspects, the necropsy in exhumed animals and the complementary exams could elucidate the cause of death and the diagnoses in 75% of the cases, being an important exam in cases that involve judicial process. Concerning the legal aspects, it was observed that the absence of specific law to the process of exhumation in animals interfere in the chain of custody maintenance and in the quality of the results of the post mortem exam of the exhumed animals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/04135-1 - Legal and technical aspects in cases of exhuming in companion animals served animal pathology service of FMVZ / USP
• Grantee: Celina Seiko Takenaka
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master