ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a forensic examination for a single cat or dog and include information specific to large-scale cases with multiple animals from a single crime scene. A standard form for recording physical examination findings is useful for forensic purposes as it contains a checklist of organs or body systems to ensure a complete examination. All physical examinations should include evaluation of the teeth and oral cavity as thoroughly as can be done safely. Abnormalities of the skin are a very common finding during physical examinations of small animals. By showing an improvement in weight and body condition score, and further documenting visible changes with photographs, one can demonstrate how difficult or easy it was to care correctly for the animal. How is the behavior of the animal? Behaviors that indicate severe dog-aggression are often observed in dogs trained to fight.
