#119: You’re Already a Forensic Vet - You Just Didn’t Know It: How to Get Better at It, and Why It Matters. With Dr Elizabeth Pearlman
This episode dives into the fascinating and emotionally charged world of veterinary forensics with Dr. Elizabeth Pearlman, who shares insights into her unique career. From investigating suspected cases of animal abuse and neglect to collaborating with law enforcement, her work blends science, detective skills, and advocacy for animals. Dr. Liz recounts compelling cases, highlighting how thorough documentation, forensic examination, and collaboration with agencies can lead to justice for abused animals. The conversation also covers the challenges veterinarians face when identifying and addressing animal cruelty, offering practical advice for spotting red flags, documenting findings, and managing the emotional toll of such work. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the critical role of forensic veterinarians in improving animal welfare and uncovering truths in the darkest of circumstances.
You know when you see that case, usually some sort of traumatic injury , where something feels a bit 'off'. Maybe the story doesn't fit the injury, or it's the third time you've seen this patient in the last few months. Whatever it is - there are alarm bells...
In this episode forensic veterinarian Dr Elizabeth Pearlman tells us why it's so important that you listen to those alarm bells, how to get better at hearing them, while sharing a structured plan for what to do about it to help us bring a bit of light to the darker aspects of human-animal interactions, without compromising your own wellbeing.
Dr Elizabeth Pearlman is a forensic veterinarian for the ASPCA’s Veterinary Forensic Science Center in Gainesville FL. A childhood of watching Animal Cops on Animal Planet sent her on her path to veterinary science and eventually a Masters degree in Veterinary Forensic Science. She has practiced as a private practice emergency veterinarian and as a staff veterinarian for the Houston SPCA, and In 2018, she joined The ASPCA full-time as a forensic veterinarian. In her position, she assists law enforcement agencies nationwide with the identification, documentation, and collection of forensic evidence from crime scenes, live animals, and deceased animals. Additionally, she authors reports based on her findings and testifies in court as an expert witness.
In this episode Liz gives us a peek into the career of a forensic vet. She shares practical advice and resources on how to deal with cruelty and neglect cases, including evidence gathering, documentation, reporting, working with law enforcement and even how to get over your fear of being an expert witness in court. If you feel like this might be the job for you - Liz also lays out a few possible career pathways for us.
Topic List:
01:56 - The Reality of Forensic Veterinary Work
02:26 - Case of Suspected Chicken Abuse
03:42 - Abby's Case: A Deep Dive
07:43 - Impact of Forensic Work on Animal Welfare
08:14 - Veterinary Forensics Education and Reporting
11:07 - Another Case Study: Khaleesi
14:07 - Discussion on Non-Accidental Injuries
16:12 - Overview of a Forensic Vet's Role
18:53 - Forensic Veterinary Opportunities in the U.S. and Abroad
22:31 - Educational Resources and Career Paths in Forensic Veterinary Medicine
25:54 - Handling Suspicions of Animal Abuse in Practice
28:33 - Emotional Challenges in Forensic Veterinary Work
36:01 - Importance of Detailed Documentation in Suspected Abuse Cases
38:21 - Court Appearances and Testifying as a Forensic Vet
40:08 - Maintaining Emotional Health in Forensic Veterinary Roles
43:56 - Closing Thoughts and Stoic Philosophy in Veterinary Practice
Resources from Dr Pearlman:
- ASPCA One Pagers (PDFs are downloadable on this site)
- Minimum Standards and Best Practices for the Clinical Veterinary Forensic Examination of the Suspected Abused Animal
Continuing Education Opportunities:
- Florida International University – Professional Science Master’s in Veterinary Forensics
- Vets are welcome to visit Dr Pearlman and her team in their facility for case review/mock necropsy practice. If interested, email Dr Pearlman directly at Elizabeth.pearlman@aspca.org or submit a request.
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Understanding Veterinary Forensics
- Examining animals for signs of abuse or neglect. This includes looking for patterns of injury, such as bilateral rib fractures, scleral hemorrhage, or hemoabdomen, which are strong indicators of non-accidental injury.
- Gathering evidence. This may involve taking detailed photographs, performing necropsies, and collecting samples for DNA analysis.
- Working with law enforcement agencies to build a case. Forensic vets may need to provide expert testimony in court, explaining their findings and offering their professional opinion on the cause of an animal's injuries.
- Be vigilant and observant. Don't dismiss unexplained injuries or inconsistent histories as mere oddities. Consider the possibility of abuse, especially when red flags, like those mentioned above, are present.
- Document thoroughly. Detailed clinical records, including specific descriptions of physical findings rather than generic terms like “WNL”, can be crucial in building a case later on. Similarly, taking comprehensive photos can provide valuable visual evidence.
- Know your reporting protocols. Familiarise yourself with the relevant animal welfare organisations and law enforcement agencies in your area and understand the legal requirements for reporting suspected cruelty cases. Having a clear protocol in place within your practice can make the process less daunting.
- Don't hesitate to reach out for support. There are resources available to help veterinarians navigate the complexities of animal cruelty cases. The ASPCA, for example, offers free training and resources on veterinary forensics. Organisations like the International Veterinary Forensic Symposium (IVFSA) provide a platform for professionals to connect and share their expertise.
Building Skills in Veterinary Forensics
- Embrace a Mindset of Vigilance: The episode emphasises the importance of heightened awareness and a willingness to question inconsistencies. Don't dismiss unexplained trauma or odd presentations. Instead, cultivate a healthy scepticism, especially when common red flags like bilateral rib fractures, scleral haemorrhage, or haemoabdomen are present.
- Elevate Your Documentation: Detailed and precise record-keeping is paramount in forensic cases. Go beyond simply noting "WNL" (within normal limits). Instead, provide specific descriptions of your physical exam findings. For instance, rather than stating "musculoskeletal within normal limits," describe observations like "symmetrical, no lameness on gross examination, joints are smooth on palpation, ambulating times four". This level of detail strengthens the evidentiary value of your documentation.
- Standardise Photographic Evidence: Develop a systematic approach to photographing injuries and overall animal condition. The episode mentions that the ASPCA Pro website provides guidance on standardised photo series for forensic examination. Consistent and high-quality photographs can be compelling visual evidence in legal proceedings.
- Engage in Continued Learning: Take advantage of the resources available to expand your knowledge and skills.
- The International Veterinary Forensic Symposium (IVFSA) offers annual conferences with continuing education opportunities, bringing together experts from around the globe to share knowledge and experiences.
- The ASPCA provides free veterinary forensic training, including remote sessions suitable for veterinary associations or groups.
- University Programmes: Consider exploring master's programmes in veterinary forensics, such as those offered by Florida International University in partnership with the ASPCA, or the University of Florida.
- Publications: Utilise valuable resources like Dr. Rachel Touroo's 2022 publication, "Minimum Clinical Standards for Forensic Examination," which offers step-by-step guidance on conducting forensic exams and report writing.
- Online Resources: Explore the ASPCA Pro website for practical resources, including "one-pagers" that offer quick reference guides on specific types of abuse, such as animal sexual abuse, non-accidental injury, trauma, and fighting. These guides can help you identify potential cases and respond appropriately.
- Cultivate Relationships with Relevant Agencies: Proactively connect with local animal control officers, law enforcement agencies, and animal welfare organisations. Establish a rapport and open communication channels. These relationships can make reporting suspected abuse cases smoother and more efficient.
- Develop a Practice Protocol: Create a clear, step-by-step protocol within your clinic for handling suspected abuse cases. This protocol should outline reporting procedures, contact information for relevant agencies, and guidelines for evidence collection and documentation. Having a standardised protocol ensures a consistent and effective approach.
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