Even experienced prosectors sometimes misinterpret post-mortal changes and include them in their list of lesions . Particular attention to detail should prevent incorrect interpretation . Take care to recognise post-mortal fluid shifts , bloat , emphysema and discolouration , nonuniform decomposition , gastric rupture , pancreatic autolysis , intestinal distention , intestinal epithelial desquamation mimicking an exudate , post mortal clots , and tiger striping . Too often , these ‘ lesions ’ are used to make a diagnosis .
8 . Incidental findings Particularly in free-ranging animals in contact with a diversity of pathogens , incidental lesions are commonly , and sometimes , consistently present in carcases at any time . These are lesions that would have been present when the animal was alive , and that had no effect of the animal , and do not have any relevance in terms of the cause of death .
Incidental lesions in free-ranging wildlife are common , and often may be quite severe . Their presence should be noted and comments should reflect their nature .
9 . Substituting intuition for scientifically based information In certain sectors of the veterinary industry , it has become commonplace for clients to expect snap diagnoses , and this for them has become a hallmark of competence . Under these circumstances , it assumes that such a veterinarian is emphatic and impressive .
This type of situation , substituting intuition for scientifically based information , uses ‘ categorical , intuitive deduction ’ and ignores the essential components of scientific proof to make a diagnosis . In legal terms , the stakes are too high to play hunches in forensic pathology and this practice will no doubt get you into trouble .
10 . Confusing the objective and subjective sections of the examination
Statements of interpretation and opinion should not be included in descriptive sections such as the post-mortem report . A record of findings should be in sufficient detail , and a factual and non-interpretive description of the detail . Do not substitute an interpretation for a description . First , do the descriptions , and then do the interpretation and explain the significance of the changes .
11 . Detraction of quality by minor errors All findings in any necropsy are important . Often they cannot be put into perspective before the various laboratory tests have been completed .
A pre-emptive impression of what it may be should not be conveyed to the owner or anybody else . It is good to keep in mind that one should not say more than that which is warranted by the findings . Also , do not divulge information to the wrong people .
12 . Not making use of photography Humans do not have photographic memories and do not pretend that after a number of years that you will have total recall of what you have seen in a necropsy , and the circumstances associated with it .
For this reason , and to augment your descriptions , it is recommended that all changes and lesions detected at necropsy , be photographed .
Do close-up photography of organs and lesions . There is no value in taking photographs at a distance including a number of organs on a dirty background .
Cell phone photography has become adequate . Remember to record dates and times with the images .
13 . Bad judgment in collecting specimens ( for toxicology and other purposes ) Specimen collection to allow laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis is of critical
2016 MAY 13