VEM5324 - Veterinary Forensic Medicine
Course Description
This course introduces students to the application of veterinary forensic sciences in crimes involving animals, including the veterinarian’s role in recognition and reporting of abuse, types of abuse (neglect and cruelty), medical and behavioral conditions associated with different types of abuse, forensic examination of live and deceased victims of abuse, and the link between human abuse and animal abuse.
Course Outline
This is a 2-week course that incorporates case-based learning, interactive activities with experts in veterinary forensic medicine, conduction of forensic examinations of animal victims, group discussions, and assignments to deepen student understanding as well as assess achievement. Faculty, guest presenters, and facilitators are available as resources throughout the course.
Lectures will be delivered via live synchronous Zoom meetings. The Forensic Clinical Exam of the Live Animal Victim Lab will take place in the Clinical Skills Lab. The Forensic Necropsy Exam of the Deceased Victim Lab will take place in the Repro Lab. Please refer to Canvas for updates and announcements to any changes to this schedule. Attendance is required for all lectures and labs/discussions in this course, whether face-to-face or virtual.
Learner Outcomes
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the role of the veterinarian in recognizing and documenting animal abuse.
2. Differentiate between different types of animal abuse, including neglect and cruelty.
3. Recognize the link between human abuse and animal abuse.
4. Investigate the medical and behavioral effects of abuse and neglect in animals from substandard breeders, hoarding, and organized dogfighting scenarios.
5. Explore the characteristics of different types of non-accidental injuries, including blunt force trauma, sharp force trauma, and gunshot trauma.
6. Perform a forensic examination of the live victim, including proper documentation of findings with identification and collection of evidence for analyses.
7. Perform a forensic examination of the deceased victim, including proper documentation of findings with interpretation of causes and manner of death.
8. Use communication and leadership skills to instruct classmates and to offer feedback to classmates.