Experimental Animal Models of Bruises in Forensic Medicine

Abstract

Estimating bruise age is a central issue in both human and veterinary forensic medicine. Since 1957 experimental animal models have been developed in order to find an objective way for dating bruises. Experimental bruises have been inflicted in cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, mice and rats, and in young and mature animals of both sexes. Although a number of analyses have addressed the timing of bruises, a consensus regarding an optimal method for determining bruise age has not been achieved. In this paper, a review of experimental animal models of bruises is presented.