Features of structuring a forensic veterinary diagnosis of injuries caused by sharp instruments

Abstract

The paper reveals the features of structuring a forensic veterinary diagnosis of injuries inflicted by sharp instruments. A definition of the term "forensic veterinary diagnosis" is formulated, the content of which lies in the determination of the essence of an injury (disease) compiled by a forensic veterinary expert based on the results of a detailed forensic veterinary examination of a live animal or an animal corpse. Such a diagnosis characterizes the essence of the trauma (disease), reflecting its nosology, etiology, and mechanism of formation in accordance with the classifications and terminology established in veterinary medicine.
It is substantiated that, when formulating a forensic veterinary diagnosis for injuries caused by the action of sharp instruments, a generally accepted three-part, rubricated structure is used, which includes the primary injury, its complications, and concomitant injuries or conditions. The rubrics of the forensic veterinary diagnosis are intended to document these components in the form of nosological forms (entities).
It was demonstrated that a nosological entity denotes a specific injury (disease) defined on the basis of established data on its etiology, pathogenesis, or mechanism. It is characterized by a set of clinical, laboratory, and instrumental diagnostic features that make it possible to clearly distinguish the injury and classify it into an appropriate group of conditions with similar etiology and pathogenesis.
An algorithm for describing the primary injury in animals traumatized by sharp instruments during the formulation of a forensic veterinary diagnosis has been developed. This will contribute to compliance with the principles of formulating a forensic veterinary diagnosis, which should fully reflect all pathological conditions and comply with the nosological, intranosological, pathogenetic, dynamic, and structural principles.
It has been proven that a unified structure of the forensic veterinary diagnosis ensures proper statistical recording in forensic veterinary expertise.
The main requirements for a forensic veterinary diagnosis are outlined as follows: nosological certainty (including the name of a specific injury in accordance with forensic veterinary or veterinary classifications); accurate reflection of the essence of the injury (disease); completeness, objectivity, validity, correctness, truthfulness, reliability, and specificity; as well as effectiveness in formulating final conclusions in the expert's report without the use of abbreviations or contractions.