[Injuries caused by outside violence with forensic importance in horses]

Traumatic injuries are common in horses and may be caused by self-infliction, accident or in an increasing number by an act of violence. Over a four year period, 193 horses with injuries caused by self-infliction or accident were referred to the clinic. In addition, ten horses with injuries associated with an act of violence had to be treated. Those injuries were caused by gunshots, or were stab wounds caused by spear like instruments or knives. Furthermore, cases of zoophilism and zoosadism were observed. Penetrating injuries were potentially life-threatening and in particular injuries with soft tissue damage extending over the limits of visible injury required a special approach. Of the ten horses, seven survived by surgical or medical treatment. Beside of medical aspects, forensic aspects should be considered in such cases.