Electrical Injuries in Animals: Causes, Pathogenesis, and Morphological Findings

Technical assessment of mechanical and electronic traps to facilitate future improvements in trap efficacy and humaneness

BACKGROUND

Snap traps and electronic traps are the main devices for nonchemical management of rodent pests. Traps should be efficient and should not cause unnecessary suffering of animals. Harmonized, systematic test methods are required to make sure that mechanical forces or electrical parameters are optimal to achieve swift unconsciousness and death. This study aimed to describe technical trap properties that can be used to facilitate future improvements in trap efficacy and humaneness.

METHODS

We constructed a device to assess spring energy, triggering force, impulse and clamping force, and developed an arrangement to assess effective voltage, current, effective current and effective energy taking effect on rodent bodies in electronic traps - all without the use of animals. Descriptive data of trap characteristics were collated.

RESULTS

All factors showed variability among snap trap models and trigger types, and there was considerable overlap between mouse and rat traps. For most trap models, there was no difference among new snap traps and traps that had been trigged 20 times. Effective current and effective energy decreased with lower voltage input, but the traps indicated weak battery by LED lights, and one model switched off automatically when voltage was insufficient.

CONCLUSION

With the device and the electronic arrangement, the majority of snap trap models and electronic traps available on the market can be assessed in a standardized and repeatable way. Matching the data generated in this study with data on time for trapped target animals to reach irreversible unconsciousness, and experiences from pest control practitioners, should allow relating properties of traps to efficacy and animal welfare issues. This can support further development and optimization of traps for nonchemical rodent pest control. © 2024 Julius Kuehn-Institut and The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Emerging strategies for treating medical device and wound-associated biofilm infections

Bacterial infections represent a significant global threat to human health, leading to considerable economic losses through increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. One major challenge in treating these infections is the presence of biofilms - structured bacterial communities that form protective barriers, making traditional treatments less effective. Additionally, the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has exacerbated treatment difficulties. To address these challenges, researchers are developing and exploring innovative approaches to combat biofilm-related infections. This mini-review highlights recent advancements in the following key areas: surface anti-adhesion technologies, electricity, photo/acoustic-active materials, endogenous mimicking agents, and innovative drug delivery systems. These strategies aim to prevent biofilm formation, disrupt existing biofilms, and enhance the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments. Currently, these approaches show great potential for applications in medical fields such as medical device and wound - associated biofilm infections. By summarizing these developments, this mini-review provides a comprehensive resource for researchers seeking to advance the management and treatment of biofilm-associated infections.

Successful management of pulmonary edema secondary to accidental electrocution in a young dog

BACKGROUND

Human records describe pulmonary edema as a life-threatening complication of electric shock. Successful management requires prompt recognition and intensive care. However, in companion animals, electrocutions are rarely reported, even though domestic environments are full of electrical devices and there is always the possibility of accidental injury. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians to know more about this condition in order to achieve successful patient outcomes.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 3-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented with a history of transient loss of consciousness after chewing on a household electrical cord. On admission, the puppy showed an orthopneic position with moderate respiratory distress. Supplemental oxygen via nasal catheter was provided, but the patient showed marked worsening of respiratory status. Point-of-care ultrasound exams suggested neurogenic pulmonary edema due to electrical shock close to the central nervous system and increased B-lines without evidence of cardiac abnormalities. Mechanical ventilation of the patient was initiated using volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 9 to 15 ml/kg until reaching an end-tidal carbon dioxide ≤ 40 mm Hg, followed by a stepwise lung-recruitment maneuver in pressure-controlled mode with increases of the peak inspiratory pressure (15 to 20 cm H2O) and positive end-expiratory pressure (3 to 10 cm H2O) for 30 min, and return to volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg until reaching a peripheral oxygen saturation ≥ 96%. Weaning from the ventilator was achieved in six hours, and the patient was discharged two days after admission without neurological or respiratory deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a rather unusual case of a neurogenic pulmonary edema subsequent to accidental electrocution in a dog. Timely diagnosis by ultrasound and mechanical ventilation settings are described. Our case highlights that pulmonary edema should be considered a potentially life-threatening complication of electrical shock in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.

Electro-thermal injuries in ruminants caused by electrical equipment during pre-slaughter operations: Forensic case reports from an animal welfare science perspective

The use of electrical equipment for herding and moving livestock (electric batons) or for stunning animals before slaughter (electric stunners) is widespread in the livestock and meat industries worldwide. The use of these equipment is restricted to specific procedures and/or exceptional circumstances that justify their rational use. However, these restrictions can be underestimated or disregarded due to ignorance, inexperience, incompetence or irresponsibility on the part of users, resulting in pain and suffering to the animals and, in some cases, electro-thermal injury. This report presents four forensic cases of electro-thermal injuries identified during post-mortem animal welfare assessments in slaughterhouses in Colombia, Mexico and Spain. Electro-thermal injuries caused by contact (accidental or intentional) of equipment electrodes with skin and subcutaneous tissue are presented. Although our cases are isolated events detected over a 5-year period, they provide a useful visual guide for technicians and veterinarians interested in the differential diagnosis between bruises and electro-thermal injuries. The differentiation of the equipment causing the injuries allows the identification and control of critical points for animal welfare along the pre-slaughter logistic chain and the elimination of inappropriate animal handling practices.

An instance of homicide by electrocution with hand-made electrode plates

Homicide by electrocution is rare in forensics, and the identification of the cause of death can be quite difficult when the electric device is removed from the scene. We present an instance where the police were unsure of homicide in the initial investigation. The offender used hand-made electrode plates for electrocution, which produced unique electric marks different from those produced by common electric devices such as electric wires. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of homicide by electrocution with electrode plates. We believe that the macroscopic and microscopic findings in this instance are quite valuable for forensic practitioners.

Human and Non-Human Primate Coexistence in Argentina: Conflicts and Solutions

There are five different primate species inhabiting widely distinct ecoregions in Argentina. Each of them faces various threats in terms of conservation and conflicts that hamper their ability to coexist with human populations. We present here some of the drivers known to be the causes of conflicts between humans and primates in the southernmost area of distribution of Latin American primates. We focus our synthesis on two of the biggest sources of conflict: the effects of different anthropogenic disturbances, and human misconceptions concerning the role of primates in the ecosystem. In each section, we briefly characterize the conflicts worldwide and then provide specific cases and examples from Argentina. In the last part of the manuscript, we further describe some ongoing national and regional educational, research, and conservation approaches to mitigate those effects.

A Highly Efficacious Electrical Biofilm Treatment System for Combating Chronic Wound Bacterial Infections

Biofilm infection has a high prevalence in chronic wounds and can delay wound healing. Current treatment using debridement and antibiotic administration imposes a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. To address their limitations, a highly efficacious electrical antibiofilm treatment system is described in this paper. This system uses high-intensity current (75 mA cm-2 ) to completely debride biofilm above the wound surface and enhance antibiotic delivery into biofilm-infected wounds simultaneously. Combining these two effects, this system uses short treatments (≤2 h) to reduce bacterial count of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) biofilm-infected ex vivo skin wounds from 1010 to 105.2 colony-forming units (CFU) g-1 . Taking advantage of the hydrogel ionic circuit design, this system enhances the in vivo safety of high-intensity current application compared to conventional devices. The in vivo antibiofilm efficacy of the system is tested using a diabetic mouse-based wound infection model. MRSA biofilm bacterial count decreases from 109.0 to 104.6 CFU g-1 at 1 day post-treatment and to 103.3 CFU g-1 at 7 days post-treatment, both of which are below the clinical threshold for infection. Overall, this novel technology provides a quick, safe, yet highly efficacious treatment to chronic wound biofilm infections.

An experimental rat model of electric shock injury with isolated electric shock and water conduction: the histopathological changes on the skin and internal organs and the effect on biochemical parameters

It is difficult to determine the cause of death in electric shock injuries when no trace can be determined on the skin, and this is accepted as a reason for negative autopsy. We aimed to determine useful parameters in the definition of the cause of deaths associated with electric shock and particularly those formed with water conduction. This study used a total of 42 rats, applied with fatal electric shock formed of isolated electric shock at 220 V and with water conduction. The serum NT-ProBNP and H-FABP levels were examined together with histopathological changes in the brain, cerebellum, brainstem, heart, liver and skin and the Bax, caspase-3 and HSP-60 antibody status in these tissues. A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the serum H-FABP values and the immunohistochemical staining of the samples taken from the organs. In conclusion, this study is the first in literature with an experimental model of electric shock with water conduction. Using immunohistochemical and biochemical markers in deaths associated with isolated electric shock and electric shock with water conduction, the results of this study can contribute to the clarification of one of the reasons for negative autopsy in forensic medicine.

Cases of fatal electrocution of the endangered Javan Gibbons (Mammalia: Primates: Hylobatidae) by power lines

Human-made structures are often deadly to wildlife. Power lines from electric poles can cause serious injury and even death of wildlife via electrocution, especially of arboreal primate species that can easily access power lines. Here, we reported three cases of wild ‘Endangered’ Javan Gibbons Hylobates moloch electrocuted by power lines along a road between a tea plantation and a village adjacent to Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park area, West Java, Indonesia. In all cases, the adult male Javan Gibbons jumped and grabbed a power line hanging at the edge of the forests and immediately died. Our case reports highlight that power lines can have a critically adverse effect on the survival of wild animals, particularly on highly arboreal species such as Javan Gibbons. We argue the need for mitigation plans (e.g., cable insulation) for power lines in areas at risk. Such areas should be determined based on wildlife habitat monitoring and the study of ranging behaviors, focusing on areas with high risks of electrocution. 

Blood analytes of electrocuted mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) in the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica

BACKGROUND

Several species of Costa Rican wildlife are suffering terrible injuries along the power lines in rural areas of the country due to the increasing human development in rural areas, but this has also brought the problem of poorly designed electric infrastructure, where arboreal mammals find their normal tree routes cut down so that the only way for them to cross is on the power lines where they can get electrocuted.

METHODS

Blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) and biochemistry panels (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, total bilirubin, plasma urea, Ca, P, creatinine, glucose, Na, K, total protein, globulins, and albumin) were collected from 34 electrocuted mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) individuals that arrived at the Nosara Refuge for Wildlife between May 2018 and May 2019.

RESULTS

From the total sample, 18 were males (11 juveniles and eight adults), and 16 were females (six juveniles and 10 adults). From those individuals, 13 animals survived: five females (three juveniles and two adults) and eight males (six juveniles and two adults). Then, 22 animals died after the event from 1 to 102 days (22.41 ± 31.17) after they arrived at the center. Of these 22 animals, 11 were females (three juveniles and eight adults), and 11 were males (six juveniles and five adults).

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary results showed significant differences in the plasma glucose, with adults being significantly higher than the juveniles, and there was also a significant difference in the plasma urea with the deceased ones being higher than the ones that survived the incident. These results may provide a better way to understand and predict the possible outcome of an electrical accident with these primates and assist with returning them back to their natural environment in the least time possible.

Illegal fishing with electrofishing devices in the Po river basin, Emilia Romagna, Italy

Electric fishing is an illegal hunting method, unfortunately widely used by poachers to paralyze fish and to catch many animals in a short time. In Italy, it is authorized only for scientific and conservative purposes. Between 2014 and 2018, the Ferrara section of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna, Italy, received nine cases of potentially illegal electric fishing in Po river and its tributary rivers. Necropsies were performed following standard protocols and samples of different tissues were collected and examined using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Gross lesions frequently observed were circulatory alteration phenomena (i.e. multi-organ hyperemia, hemorrhages and congestion, hemopericardium), also found histologically, in addition to multifocal degenerative and necrotic muscular processes that could be attributed to injuries from electric current, as already reported in literature. Immunohistochemical investigations confirmed degenerative and necrotic lesions with myoglobin depletion and a corresponding fibrinogen accumulation. Myoglobin globules were also detected in the renal parenchyma, as consequent of rhabdomyolysis. The results of this study allowed to correlate electric fishing to gross, histologic and immunohistochemical lesions, which together constitute a pathognomonic picture to be considered a reference standard in this type of illegal controversy.

Electrocution Stigmas in Organ Damage: The Pathological Marks

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic criteria for electrocution related death are still a challenge in forensic pathology and it seems that the electrical mark is the only reliable evidence.

METHODS

A comparison of histological and morphological findings of skin and internal organs from an autopsy series of electrocution deaths with those mostly reported in literature as representative for electrocution.

RESULTS

The morphological changes of heart, brain and other main internal organs are still unspecific. Organ's damage observed in electrocution deaths shows a wide variability, not reliable for a certain diagnosis of electrocution. The electrical mark is still the golden standard for diagnosis of electrocution.

CONCLUSIONS

In electrocution related deaths, pathological findings of the main internal organs are not enough evidence to support with certainty a post-mortem diagnosis that a victim suffered an electrical damage. Although the organ histological changes are undoubtedly the starting point for a better understanding of the fatal even, the diagnosis of death from electrical damage is still a dark and unsolved chapter. The electrical mark still represents a fundamental indicator above all in the medical-legal field, but the identification of pathognomonic elements and signs not limited to the skin alone could be a valid help in the future, especially in unclear cases.

Pain at the Slaughterhouse in Ruminants with a Focus on the Neurobiology of Sensitisation

Simple Summary

We pose based on a fundamental science examination that events that occur around the time of slaughter have the potential to intensify the pain response, through a process called sensitisation, or an exaggerated response to painful stimuli. Health conditions which result in inflammation, injuries arising from transport and handling and exaggerated fear responses may all be present at the slaughterhouse. Whilst there is limited evidence of a direct effect of these on the processes of sensitisation in animals at slaughter, by analogy with the human neurobiology literature the connection seems plausible. In this review we outline the biology of such a response, and the rationale for suggestion of a possible linkage between events at slaughter and a heightened animal pain response.

Abstract

We pose, based on a neurobiological examination, that events that occur around the time of slaughter have the potential to intensify the pain response, through the processes of sensitisation and enhanced transmission. Sensitisation, or an enhanced response to painful stimuli, is a well-discussed phenomenon in the human medical literature, which can arise from previous injury to an area, inflammatory reactions, or previous overstimulation of the stress axes. A number of events that occur prior to arrival at, or in the slaughterhouse, may lead to presence of these factors. This includes previous on-farm pathology, injuries arising from transport and handling and lack of habituation to humans. Whilst there is limited evidence of a direct effect of these on the processes of sensitisation in animals at slaughter, by analogy with the human neurobiology literature the connection seems plausible. In this review a neurobiological approach is taken to discuss this hypothesis in the light of basic science, and extrapolations from existing literature on the slaughter of ruminants. To confirm the postulated link between events at slaughter, and processes of hypersensitisation, further dedicated study is required.

Electrocution as an alternative euthanasia method to blunt force trauma to the head followed by exsanguination for non-viable piglets

Background

On farms, the currently approved and most widely practised method of euthanising non-viable piglets is blunt force trauma to the head followed by exsanguination. However, the use of this method is criticised due to public perceptions and aversion to the methodology by caretakers. Therefore, electrocution after electrical stunning was examined as an alternative approach in 80 hybrid piglets. Initially, electrocution was simulated with finite element analysis using a computer piglet-model, where current density in the heart was visualised and size and position of the electrodes were defined. The following step investigated electrical parameters for electrocution in anaesthetised piglets; first, with a constant voltage power source and then with a constant current power source. The electrical stunning was examined using the constant current supply. Finally, the results of electrical stunning and electrocution were verified in 25 healthy piglets with a body weight between 1 and 2 kg. Unconsciousness was proven by testing palpebral, corneal and nociceptive reflexes. Time of death was confirmed by electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) records.

Results

Stunning succeeded with the preset of 1.3 A and 50 Hz, placing the electrodes on both sides of the head between the eyes and ears using different timespans between 8 and 20 s. Prolonged electrical flow resulted in reduced paddling movements after the epileptic seizure, and allowed undisturbed reflex tests and installation of electrodes for EEG and ECG recording during electrocution. Using 0.75 A and 400 Hz, pin-shaped electrodes were first positioned on both sides of the chest for 5 s, followed by a break of 20–30 s and a second current flow, whereby the electrodes were placed above the withers and the sternum for 5 s. Cardiac arrest and an isoelectric EEG were induced within 3 min after the onset of the electrical flow through the chest. The most obvious indicator of effective stunning and electrocution was termination of rhythmic breathing. Piglets with cardiac arrest showed only single gasps lasting up to 3 min after electrocution.

Conclusions

The evaluated stunning and electrocution protocol might ease concerns about timely piglet euthanasia. However, this should be verified in non-viable piglets to exclude influencing factors like dehydration and diseases.

[Lightning strike on a horse pasture - a diagnostic challenge?!]

During summer, permanent or temporary pasture keeping carries an increased risk of death caused by lightning strikes. Although - due to their body structure and pasture grazing - large animals are particularly susceptible to step voltage effects in consequence to a lightning strike to the ground there are only few published cases in the veterinary literature. Frequently in lightning-related accidents, a current flow through the heart occurs resulting in acute cardiac and circulatory failure. In the vast majority of cases, this is accompanied either by very unspecific lesions or even lacks any morphological alterations. Accordingly, the etiologic diagnosis in the absence of clear, lightning-related damage to the body represents a major diagnostic challenge. The evaluation of meteorological data as well as consideration of the pasture's location and positioning of the body when found may provide further key information in the clarification of fatalities caused by lightning strikes.This case report presents findings in a 7-year-old thoroughbred gelding found dead together with 3 other horses, all lying together in a group on the pasture. Pathological examination revealed a 2-3 mm wide line of singed, curled hair on the right front and hind limbs. Histologically, the pertaining skin areas displayed groups of elongated epithelial cells with herringbone-like elongation of the nuclei within the epidermis and the hair follicles. Coagulations of dermal proteins were present multifocally within the dermis.

The rise of veterinary forensics

Veterinary forensics is rapidly emerging as a distinct branch of veterinary medicine, especially because of increasing mindfulness about animal cruelty, and of the link between acts of cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. Nevertheless, the application of forensic sciences in veterinary cases lags behind its application in medical cases. Although gaps persist in veterinarians' knowledge of forensics and in how to apply this field to medicolegal cases involving animals, continued research and publication in veterinary forensics are rapidly developing the evidence base in this area. Additionally, educational opportunities in veterinary forensics are also increasing at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Together, these changes will continue to improve veterinarians' abilities to investigate cases involving animals. To further strengthen these investigations, veterinarians should also collaborate with the appropriate experts in different disciplines of forensic science.

Electrocutions in free-living black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) in anthropogenic environments in the Federal District and surrounding areas, Brazil

Shrinking natural habitats exposes some non-human primates to the risk of accidents associated with electrical transmission lines. We examined dead marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) collected in the region from January 2015 to April 2018 to determine the animals' cause of death and for electrocuted animals we examined the locations the animals had died as well as the configuration of the power lines at these sites. We also recorded the sex of the animal, the body region affected, and characteristics of the injuries. We diagnosed electrocutions in 11% (n = 34) of the marmosets studied. Most of the affected animals were male (n = 22) with single or double sites of injury on the limbs. Animals were injured in urban (n = 26) and peri-urban (n = 8) areas on lower-voltage alternate current lines, and we detected no seasonality or hotspots of electrocution. Our findings suggest that movement along transmission lines composed of bundled conductors is a major factor in electrocutions of marmosets in the Federal District and surrounding areas. The planning of electrical power grid infrastructure should consider arboreal primates to prevent electrocutions.

Spatial Patterns of Primate Electrocutions in Diani, Kenya

Electrocution from power infrastructure threatens many primate species, yet knowledge of effective evidence-based mitigation strategies is limited. Mitigation planning requires an understanding of the spatial distribution of electrocutions to prioritize high-risk areas. In Diani, a coastal Kenyan town, electrocution is an important cause of death for five primate species. In this study we aim to describe the spatial patterns of electrocutions and electric shock incidents (collectively referred to as electrocutions hereafter) and identify electrocution hotspots to guide an effective primate conservation approach in Diani. Colobus Conservation, a not-for-profit organization, has recorded electrocutions and annual primate census data since 1998. We georeferenced 329 electrocution data points and analyzed them using QGIS. We identified and compared hotspots across species, seasons, and time using kernel density estimation and Getis-Ord-Gi*. We employed spatial regression models to test whether primate population density and power line density predicted the location of electrocution hotspots. Electrocutions occurred in hotspots that showed little variation in location between species and seasons. The limited variation in hotspot location over time likely occurred as a result of new building development in Diani and variability in primate detection rates by community members. Primate density and power line density were significant predictors of electrocution density for Angolan black-and-white colobus (Colobus angolensis palliatus) and Sykes monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis albogularis), but the relationship was weak, suggesting the presence of additional risk factors. This study provides a framework for systematic spatial prioritization of power lines that can be used to reduce primate electrocutions in Diani, and can be adopted in other areas of the world where primates are at risk from electrocution.

Veterinary Forensic Pathology: The Search for Truth

Veterinary forensic pathology is emerging as a distinct discipline, and this special issue is a major step forward in establishing the scientific basis of the discipline. A forensic necropsy uses the same skill set needed for investigations of natural disease, but the analytical framework and purpose of forensic pathology differ significantly. The requirement of legal credibility and all that it entails distinguishes the forensic from routine diagnostic cases. Despite the extraordinary depth and breadth of knowledge afforded by their training, almost 75% of veterinary pathologists report that their training has not adequately prepared them to handle forensic cases. Many veterinary pathologists, however, are interested and willing to develop expertise in the discipline. Lessons learned from tragic examples of wrongful convictions in medical forensic pathology indicate that a solid foundation for the evolving discipline of veterinary forensic pathology requires a commitment to education, training, and certification. The overarching theme of this issue is that the forensic necropsy is just one aspect in the investigation of a case of suspected animal abuse or neglect. As veterinary pathologists, we must be aware of the roles filled by other veterinary forensic experts involved in these cases and how our findings are an integral part of an investigation. We hope that the outcome of this special issue of the journal is that veterinary pathologists begin to familiarize themselves with not only forensic pathology but also all aspects of veterinary forensic science.

Electroporation by concentric-type needle electrodes and arrays

The efficacy of genomic medicine depends on gene transfer efficiency. In this area, electroporation has been found to be a highly promising method for physical gene transfer. However, electroporation raises issues related to electrical safety, tissue damage, and the number of required wounds. Concentric-type needle electrodes seek to address these issues by using a lower bias (10V), a single wound, fewer processing steps, and a smaller working area (≈10mm³), thus offering greater accuracy and precision. Moreover, the needle can be arrayed to simultaneously treat several target regions. This paper proposes a novel method using concentric-type needle electrodes to improve the efficacy of genomic medicine in terms of electrical safety, human factor and usability engineering.

Electric injury-induced Purkinje cell apoptosis in rat cerebellum: Histological and immunohistochemical study

INTRODUCTION

Electrical injury is a prominent problem in low income countries with increased morbidity and mortality rate. Nervous system is one of the most susceptible systems to electrical current because of its low resistance. There were different studies demonstrated electrocution effect on the nervous system, however little was made on the cerebellum.

AIM

This study was conducted to produce an experimental suggestion concerning injury of the nervous system through evaluating Purkinje cell apoptosis and number in rat cerebellum by fatal and non-fatal electric current using histological and immunohistochemical study. Also to support the diagnosis of electrocution as a probable cause of death and delayed neurological damage as well as disability.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (10 rats each); control group: normal rats that were sacrificed without exposure to electric current, groups 1-3 (non-fatal electrocution groups): rats were exposed to alternating electric current (220v, 50Hz) for one minute then were sacrificed immediately, after 2h, and after 4h respectively, and group 4 (fatal electrocution group): rats were sacrificed after being electrified up to death (153±27s). Sections from cerebellum were processed for histological and caspase-3 immunohistochemical study.

RESULTS

Purkinje cells showed marked histopathological changes in the form of shrunken dark stained cells with significant reduction of their number in H &E stained sections when compared to control, widespread argyrophilia, and degenerated organelles along with shrunken irregular nuclei. For caspase-3 staining, there was significantly increased number of caspase-3 positive cells in groups 1-3 (non-fatal electrocution groups) and markedly increased in group 4 (fatal electrocution group) in comparison to control group. These changes were gradually increased with the increased duration after exposure to the electric current.

CONCLUSION

Apoptosis and loss of Purkinje cells were involved in the pathogenesis of immediate and long term effect of electrical injury on Purkinje cells, which will be an aid to the forensic pathologist to determine the cause of death and residual damage as well as disability after electric shock.

Thermal Injuries in Veterinary Forensic Pathology

Localized thermal injuries in animals may be caused by exposure to fire and radiant heat, contact with hot items including hot liquids or steam, inhalation of hot air, and exposure to cold temperatures. In addition, animal fire victims may have intoxications caused by smoke gas. This article reviews the causes, pathogenetic aspects, morphological findings, additional investigations, differential diagnoses, and causes of death in various forms of thermal injuries. Since these cases do not occur frequently in diagnostic pathology, they represent a challenging task in general but also with respect to forensic or criminal aspects, such as whether a lesion represents an accidental or nonaccidental effect. Besides detailed information about the circumstances at the location, thermal injuries in animals require a thorough morphological evaluation, including additional investigations in conjunction with a profound knowledge about the possible lesion spectrum and suitable additional investigations.