Cytomorphological features of forensic veterinary determination of the age of wounds inflicted by sharp instruments in dogs and cats

Abstract

The paper reveals the cytomorphological characteristics of forensic veterinary determination of the age of wounds inflicted by sharp instruments in dogs and cats. It has been proven that in cats, the inflammatory process in wounds caused by sharp instruments develops significantly faster and more intensively. Already during the first 24 hours, a sharp increase in the number of cells, the appearance of degenerative neutrophils, a significant number of bacteria, and pronounced signs of acute tissue damage are observed. In dogs, during this period, inflammation is less pronounced and is usually not accompanied by bacterial contamination. It is argued that the maximum activity of neutrophils in feline wounds occurs earlier, within 1–3 days. In dogs, however, the peak of the neutrophilic reaction and active phagocytosis occurs only on days 5–6. This demonstrates species-specific differences in the rate of granulocytic cell recruitment and the efficiency of the initial phase of healing. It has been established that the reparative stage of healing in cats begins more rapidly, as evidenced by the appearance of reactive fibroblasts and the absence of bacteria as early as day four. In dogs, the processes of granulation and fibroblast activation occur later and are less pronounced. This indicates a slower transition from the inflammatory stage to tissue regeneration. It is shown that in cats, macrophage activity in wounds appears earlier, ensuring intensive tissue cleansing and autosanation by days 5–6. In dogs, a significant number of macrophages appear only after the neutrophilic reaction subsides, which slows down the reparative process. It is substantiated that by days 7–8, stabilization of the process is observed in the wounds of both cats and dogs. However, in cats, this is accompanied by a noticeable decrease in cellularity, a reduction in chromatin strands, and fewer signs of degeneration, creating conditions for faster wound closure. In dogs, inflammation gradually subsides during this period, but protein masses remain, indicating a longer neutrophilic stage and a slower recovery rate.