In view of the scarcity of literature data on the use of radiological imaging techniques in forensic veterinary medicine, while at the same time the number of reported crimes against animals involving the use of firearms is rising, this paper attempts to assess the usefulness of radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the post-mortem diagnosis of gunshot wounds (GSW) in comparison to classic necropsy. The design of the experiment was as follows: preparation of the research material (13 dog carcasses), shooting of the material from different distances (1.5 and 12 m, plus one contact shot to the head) and using different types of ammunition, followed by X-rays and CT scans in each case to examine the injuries resulting from the shot. The final steps of the experiment were photographic documentation and autopsy by the Virchow method. In the examined material, post-traumatic bone lesions and the presence of metallic foreign bodies were successfully imaged by both radiography and CT. GSW analysis using CT provided much better data quality and some additional information. Two general conclusions can be drawn from the results of the experiment. First, damage caused by gunshots is correlated with the calibre, initial velocity and kinetic energy of the projectile, as well as the distance from the muzzle of the gun to the object shot. Second, radiological examination is useful in preparing forensic veterinary opinions. Used as a complement to classic necropsy, they increase the possibility of an accurate post-mortem diagnosis of shooting victims.

Food adulteration means that substances have been added to food that change its composition and reduce its nutritional value. Food adulteration also includes giving a product a misleading name, providing false information on its composition, date of production or expiry date, and any other incorrect labelling. Numerous cases of food adulteration have been recorded in many countries, including Poland. This has led to the creation of a new field of science, known as ‘green criminology’, to combat violations of food law. Over the years, new techniques for identifying food adulterations have been developed. Originally, these were sensory techniques, which proved unreliable. Later, physical analysis of the product was performed on the basis of information on the label and microscopic examination. Later methods, based on identification of lipids and proteins, were also unreliable due to biochemical changes during processing. These problems prompted scientists to become interested in the potential of DNA testing. Due the stability of DNA and the universal applicability of DNA-based methods to all cells, they are ideal for use in practice. Currently, the most reliable test for detecting food adulteration is PCR, as it is a highly sensitive and specific technique.

An autopsy or necropsy can be performed only once; therefore, its proper execution is of fundamental importance in explaining the cause of death. The protocol with photographic documentation is an integral part of the autopsy, but sometimes it does not fully reflect the state of the body and the pathological changes observed at each stage of the procedure. These shortcomings are addressed by modern imaging techniques, which are increasingly used during the autopsy of human bodies, but quite rarely during necropsy of animals. Non-invasive techniques (CT, MRI, or photogrammetry with laser body scanning), or in some cases also minimally invasive techniques (biopsy), enable comprehensive analysis of the carcass, but Virtopsy is only a supplement to the classical autopsy, especially in veterinary forensic medicine..

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