La Patologia Forense Veterinaria: le lesioni d'arma da fuoco

Abstract

The present thesis describes the morphological characteristics of wounds in domestic and wild animals, caused by different types of firearms and ammunition. It provides an overview of the types of firearms and ammunition according to the provisions of European and Italian law. The three stages of ballistics (interior, exterior and terminal/wound ballistics) and wounding potential are then discussed. Gunshot wounds can be classified as contact, near contact, intermediate or distant, depending on the range from which they were fired, and on the density and distribution of gunshot residues on skin or fur. The veterinary pathologist should be able to provide information on the discernment of entrance and exit wounds, on the wound channel, and the phenomena that determine the formation of the temporary and permanent cavity. The morphological aspects of gunshot wounds are analyzed, distinguishing between wounds caused by handguns, rifles, shotguns, air-powered guns, and captive bolt devices. Tissue and organs characteristics influence the extent of damage a projectile generates. A hint of the simulants generally used in wound ballistics is also provided. The forensic necropsy is then described. Gunshot wounds must be differentiated from other forms of trauma, including captive bolt stunners, animal bites and other kinds of lacerations, and full-body radiographs or CT scans are useful for the purpose. An overview of detection and identification of gunshot residues (GSR) is provided. Finally, this thesis concludes by discussing the consequences of the presence of lead in ammunition. Lead poisoning secondary to ingestion of shotgun pellets or retention of lead fragments has been demonstrated in wildlife. As for humans, ammunition-derived lead is nowadays a significant cause of dietary lead exposure in groups of people who frequently eat game meat.