A Practical Diagnostic Approach to Non-Drowning Asphyxia in Animals: Forensic Pathology and Biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Forensic Pathology
• Pathology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Asphyxia involves brain dysfunction from hypoxia/anoxia due to injury.
• Mechanisms include strangulation, suffocation, mechanical asphyxia, and drowning.
• Fatal asphyxia presents diagnostic challenges in forensic pathology due to subtle, non-pathognomonic signs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diagnostic challenges in veterinary forensic pathology for non-drowning asphyxia.
• To outline key lesions, ancillary tests, and diagnostic considerations.

Main Methods:

• Review of veterinary forensic literature on non-drowning asphyxia.
• Analysis of macroscopic and histological findings.
• Discussion of diagnostic approaches integrating medical history, scene analysis, and evidence.

Main Results:

• Non-drowning asphyxia encompasses strangulation, suffocation, and mechanical types.
• Subtle macroscopic signs are often obscured by post-mortem changes.
• Diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary approach combining various data sources.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of non-drowning asphyxia in veterinary forensics relies on comprehensive evaluation.
• Understanding specific lesions and utilizing ancillary tests are crucial.
• This review provides a framework for addressing diagnostic complexities in these cases.