title: Brain damage caused by a captive bolt pistol.
abstract: The neuropathological changes produced by a captive bolt pistol are described. The primary wound track in the brain was similar to that inflicted by a weapon such as a .22 calibre rifle. However neural and vascular damage at a distance from the primary wound canal was much less severe and widespread after penetration of the low velocity captive bolt projectile due to the formation of a smaller temporary wound cavity by radial forces imparted to the parenchyma. These findings suggest that the use of a captive bolt pistol for euthanasia should be immediately followed by further actions to ensure that an animal is rendered permanently unconscious.
authors.affiliation: Central Veterinary Laboratories, Department of Primary Industries, Adelaide, South Australia.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Finnie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D005065:Euthanasia; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D012756:Sheep; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot