For the

Committee of Inquiry

into Hunting with Dogs

University of Cambridge

Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine  

POSTMORTEM REPORTS

ON 12 HARES KILLED AT COURSING

MEETINGS IN MARCH 2000  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 1. (REF: P00 041)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam)

Carcase state
In rigor mortis. Only early autolysis. Examined on 3rd March, the day after death.  

Nutritional status:
Good. Body weight 4.08kg. Moderate fat deposits. 100g of food in stomach.  

Reproductive status:
Mature Female. Early pregnancy (2 foetuses of 8 and 9mm resp). Lactating.

Health status: Good.
Internal parasites: None seen macroscopically. Lab report on sample of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia.' Single sarcocyst parasite seen in histology section of tongue. Pre-existing changes.
Macroscopic: A single calcifying lesion in the wall of the proximal aorta .
Microscopic: a) Slight patchy mononuclear cell infiltrations in gut mucosa. b) Cloudy change in fat cells at a few sites, e.g. near pancreas.

Coat: No ectoparasites noted. No mud balls on feet. Left side wet. Areas of recent hair loss over right lumbar and upper hindleg regions.

Terminal events and injuries:
1) The mucous membranes were very pale.
2) Cranium and brain crushed, with much local haemorrhage. Left orbit crushed and left eyeball protruding. Blood around nostrils and left chin. (Due to the severe damage to the skull the presence of neck dislocation by the handler could not be ascertained.)
3) 9 ribs fractured on right side. Overlying subcutaneous haemorrhage, and underlying lung punctured and haemorrhagic. Haemorrhage into thoracic cavity.
4) Skin tearing and muscle laceration present in the inside of both thighs, muscle being severed on the left side.
5) Skin abraded, punctured and bruised above right stifle.
6) Skin tears over the upper hindlimbs exposing muscles on the underside of the tail. All these injuries were accompanied by degrees of recent bruising, haemorrhage or haematoma formation.

Summary: This female hare was in good bodily condition: it was lactating and was in early pregnancy. Extensive very recent traumatic injuries were present but no significant pre-existing pathological changes were demonstrated.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No. 2 (Ref: P00 042).
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and parasitological exam)

Carcase state:
In rigor mortis. Only early autolysis. Examined on 3rd March, the day after death.

Nutritional status:
Fair. Body weight 2.8kg. Scanty fat deposits. 75gm food in stomach.

Reproductive status.
Male. Testes descended.

Health Status:
Internal parasites: None seen macroscopically. Lab report on sample of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia'.
Pre-existing pathology.
Macroscopic:
a) Small white plaque inside left nostril. Local skin thickening and depigmentation below the left nostril. b) Skin crusting around the prepuce

Coat: No ectoparasites noted. Wet mud on face, forearms and feet and on the right hindquarters. No mud balling on feet. A little hair loss on the point of the left hip.

Terminal injuries:
1) There was atlanto-occipital joint dislocation and much recent local haemorrhage which extended down the neck (presumed caused by euthanasia by the handler).
2) The main injury was a severe traumatic lesion affecting the right upper hindleg, extending from lateral to medial. The skin was torn and the open wound was contaminated by mud. Some of the lacerated flexor muscle appeared to be missing, exposing tendons: the femur was visible in the depths of the wound. Although recent haemorrhage was present around the edges of the injury, there was no haemorrhage associated with the severed ends of muscle around the missing portions of the thigh. This suggests that some of this more extreme damage occurred after death.
3) A smaller puncture wound was present immediately above the right scapula, accompanied by local haemorrhage.

Summary: This male hare was only in fair bodily condition. Pre-existing inflammatory lesions on the face and prepuce are suggestive of a spirochaete infection (hare syphilis). There was evidence of recent traumatic damage to the right hindleg, but some of the muscle lacerations and loss of muscle may have occurred after euthanasia.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 3. (REF: P00 043)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam)

Carcase state
In rigor mortis. Apart from anterior abdominal contents, only early autolysis. Examined on 3rd March, the day after death.

Nutritional status:
Good. Body weight 3.8kg. Plentiful fat deposits. 60g+ stomach contents (ruptured).

Reproductive status:
Female. Uterus non-pregnant. Not lactating.

Health status:
Internal parasites: None seen macroscopically. Lab report on sample of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia.' Histology sections of gut wall show a very scanty infestation with both.
Pre-existing pathology:
Macroscopic:
a) A small pale circumscribed lesion in the right side of the liver.
b) A single calcifying lesion in the wall of the proximal aorta. Adhesions were noted on the outside of this lesion, in the thorax.
Microscopic:
a) Histology reveals that the liver lesion is a walled-off abscess (probably of bacterial origin).
b) Sections of the aortic lesion showed chronic changes of bone and bone marrow formation.
c) Inflammatory infiltrates are present in some areas of gut mucosa.

Coat:
No ectoparasites noted. Some recent hair loss over the right shoulder and right abdomen. On the right flank there were areas of short regrown hair from previous hair loss. No mud balling on the feet.  

Terminal Injuries:
1) There was atlanto-occipital joint dislocation accompanied by much local haemorrhage (presumed caused by euthanasia by the handler).
2) The main injury was marked subcutaneous bruising on both sides of the thorax and anterior abdomen. This was accompanied by puncture wounds: on the right side the abdominal puncture had ruptured the stomach, resulting in local spillage of contents into the abdominal cavity. On the left side there was tearing of the intercostal muscles and pleura between two of the more posterior ribs with local haemorrhage into the muscles and into the thoracic cavity.
3) There was a laceration of the skin and muscles above the right elbow, with local haemorrhage.

Summary: This female hare was neither pregnant nor lactating and was in good bodily condition. A small chronic very localised inflammatory lesion was present in the liver. Recent severe traumatic damage was accompanied by haemorrhage into the thorax and rupture of the stomach.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 4. (REF: P00 044)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
In rigor mortis. Only early autolysis. Examined on 3rd March, the day after death.

Nutritional status:
Fair. Body weight 3.96kg. Scanty fat deposits. 110gm of food in stomach.

Reproductive status:
Female. Pregnant (approx. mid-term) with three foetuses in one uterine horn. Lactating.

Health status:
Internal parasites:
None seen macroscopically. Lab report on sample of gut contents indicates ' No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia'. Histology sections of gut wall show a scanty infestation with coccidia.
Pre-existing changes: Macroscopic:
a) The hare had a slightly distended abdomen.
b) A small lesion on the lower lip.
c) An unusual rigidity all along the intra-thoracic aortic wall due to the presence of numerous bony plaques within the wall.
Microscopic:
a) the lip lesion is a small ulceration with an inflammatory cell infiltrate beneath.
b) The aortic lesions are plaques of dystrophic mineralisation with bone and bone marrow formation.
c) Inflammatory infiltrates are present in some areas of gut mucosa.

Coat:
No ectoparasites noted. Hair loss over both upper flanks and right lower abdomen. The feet were muddy.

Terminal injuries.
1) There was atlanto-occipital dislocation accompanied by local haemorrhage (presumed caused by euthanasia by the handler).
2) Below an area of subcutaneous bruising over the left and midline lumbar region there was marked internal sublumbar and peri-renal haemorrhage on the right side.. The right kidney had been displaced from its usual site, and some lumbar vertebrae were fractured. Blood was present in the abdomen.
3) There was intramuscular recent haemorrhage in the ventral abdominal wall.
4) Ribs 1-3 on the right side were fractured, and there was marked local intramuscular haemorrhage, but it did not extend into the pleural cavity.
5) The sternum was fractured but there was NO local haemorrhage.

Summary:
This pregnant and lactating female hare was in only fair bodily condition. Focal aortic mineralisation (a common incidental finding in hares) was unusually extensive throughout the thoracic aorta, making it more rigid than normal. Recent severe traumatic injury to the lumbar and peri-renal region was associated with vertebral fracture and extensive local haemorrhage. A sternal fracture however was unassociated with haemorrhage and may have occurred after death.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 5. (REF: P00 045)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
In rigor mortis. Only early autolysis. Examination on 3rd March, the day after death.

Nutritional status:
Good. Body weight 4.4kg. Moderate fat deposits. 60g of food in stomach.

Reproductive status:
Mature Female. Advanced late pregnancy ( two large fully-haired foetuses, weighing 176 and 162g resp. located one in each uterine horn). Milk in mammary glands.

Health status: Moderate to good.
Internal parasites:
None seen macroscopically. Lab report on sample of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia. Histology sections of gut wall show very scanty presence of a few coccidia. A single sarcocyst parasite seen in section of tongue.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic:
a) A distended abdomen, and enlarged mammary glands due to presence of a late pregnancy.
b) Haemorrhagic spots on the stomach mucosa.
c) Small focus of calcification in the proximal aorta.
Microscopic:
a) Gastric ulceration and associated gastritis.
b) The aortic lesion is a plaque of dystrophic mineralisation with bone and bone marrow formation.
c) Opacity of fat cells in the vicinity of the pancreas.

Coat:
No ectoparasites noted. The feet were wet, but no mud balls present.

Terminal injuries:
1) There was atlanto-occipital joint dislocation accompanied by local haemorrhage which extended down the neck (presumed to be caused by euthanasia by the handler).
2) A small localised episcleral haemorrhage was present in both eyes.
3) The main injury involved the right side of the thorax and right forelimb. The right scapula and four ribs on the right side were fractured, and there were associated haemorrhages, including into the thoracic cavity.
4) In the left hindleg there was a puncture wound with local haemorrhage above the left hock. The skin was torn away from the front of the right thigh - but there was no associated haemorrhage.
5) Haemorrhages were present in the sublumbar musculature

Summary:
This heavily pregnant female hare was in good condition. The large size of the foetuses and presence of milk in the mammary glands suggests she was close to giving birth. Recent severe traumatic damage with local haemorrhage was present, involving mainly the right side of the thorax. Some of the injury to the left hindleg was not associated with haemorrhage and may have occurred after death.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 6. (REF: P00 049)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state.
In rigor mortis. There was early autolysis. Examined on 3rd March.

Nutritional status:
Fair. Body weight 3.3kg. Scanty fat deposits. 60g of food in the stomach.

Reproductive status:
Adult Male. Testes in scrotum.

Health status:
Internal parasites:
none seen macroscopically. Lab report on sample of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia'.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic:
Several calcifying lesions present in the wall of the proximal aorta.
Microscopic:
a) A plaque of dystrophic mineralisation in the media of the aorta.
b) A few small clusters of coccidial bodies present in the colon mucosa.
c) In both the wall of the urethra and beneath the epithelium on the surface of the penis there is a dense chronic infiltrate of inflammatory cells including lymphoid follicles. Some more acute changes present in the surface epithelium.

Coat:
There was a small amount of hair loss over the right shoulder and hair (and skin) loss over the right thigh (see below). The coat was dry and the feet were not muddy.

Terminal events and injuries.
1) There was atlanto-occipital joint dislocation and recent local haemorrhage (presumed caused by euthanasia by the handler).
2) The mucous membranes were very pale.
3) The main injury was to the right side of the thorax. There was a deep laceration over the rib cage and fracture of ribs 4 to 11. Internal displacement of the ends of the fractured ribs had lacerated the right lung in several places and totally severed the distal part of the right diaphragmatic lobe. The aorta was punctured in two places, and the thoracic cavity contained a large volume of clotted blood. Rib fractures were associated with bruising and haematomas in the musculature over the fracture sites. Airway haemorrhage was not present in the trachea.
4) Slight bruising extended from the severe thoracic wounds to the upper right foreleg but the limb bones appeared intact.
5) A wound c.9cm long was present in the right thigh. The skin was torn and reflected and there was also a tear in the underlying fascia, exposing torn muscles, but no bone fracture was identified. Tearing of muscles involved many muscles on the inner thigh: the severed ends of some had retracted to leave a space and exposing tendinous material. There was very little local haemorrhage associated with these injuries.

Summary:
This male hare was only in fair bodily condition. Pre-existing chronic inflammatory changes affecting the penis are suggestive of a spirochaete infection. Recent traumatic chest injuries had resulted in massive internal haemorrhage. Some of the severe damage to the right thigh may have occurred after death.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 7. (REF: P00 050)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
In rigor mortis. There was early autolysis. Examined on March 3^rd.

Nutritional status:
Good. Body weight 3.91kg. Moderate fat deposits. 130g of food in the stomach.

Reproductive status:
Adult Female. Pregnant, estimated in mid pregnancy (2 foetuses weighing 10.9g and 13.4g resp. located in opposite uterine horns). Not lactating but there was some secretory activity in the mammary gland.

Health status:
Internal parasites:
None seen macroscopically. Lab report on sample of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia'. Histology sections only show a small number of coccidial bodies, in the caecum.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic:
a) A small white nodule at the edge of the liver.
b) A bony plaque in the wall of the proximal aorta.
Microscopic:
a) The liver lesion is a localised inflammatory lesion being walled off by chronic inflammatory changes.
b) The aortic lesion has mineralisation within areas of degeneration in the wall.
c) Inflammatory infiltrates are present in some areas of gut mucosa.
d)Opacity of a few fat cells in the vicinity of the pancreas. Coat: No ectoparasites noted. Generally wet coat with mud on the left side and blood stains on the right side. Several patches of hair loss were present around the neck and on the left shoulder: regrowth of new short hair was present at these scuffed sites. All four feet wet and muddy, but no balling of mud.

Terminal events and injuries:
l ) There was atlanto-occipital joint dislocation accompanied by local haemorrhage (presumed caused by euthanasia by the handler.)
2) There was a penetrating wound and extensive bruising over the left side of the chest. The lungs were punctured by broken ribs and there was intra-thoracic haemorrhage.
3) A second area of severe trauma was present between the hind legs which was stripped of skin. Tearing of left adductor muscles exposed the underside of the pelvis, which was fractured. Haemorrhage around the area extended to the abdominal wall.
4) Tearing of skin and deep bruising was also present on the inside of the right hindleg.
5) On the outside of the right thigh a large piece of skin had been reflected exposing an area of muscle c. 8xl0cm, but there was little associated haemorrhage.

Summary:
This female hare was in good bodily condition and in mid pregnancy. Several sites had sustained severe traumatic injury and were accompanied by recent haemorrhage. One of the injuries, on the right thigh, was accompanied by only a modest amount of haemorrhage, suggesting that it may have occurred after death.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 8: (REF: P00 051).
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
In rigor mortis. Early autolysis present. Died on 6th March, examined on 8th March.

Nutritional status:
Good. Body weight 3.27kg. Moderate fat deposits. 85gm of food in stomach.

Reproductive status
Adult Male. One testicle in the abdomen, the other descended into scrotum.

Health status:
Internal parasites: None seen macroscopically. Lab report on samples of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia.' Histology sections of gut wall show very scanty numbers of coccidial bodies.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic.
In the right eye there was a 3x4mm slightly opaque raised plaque on the front of the cornea.
Microscopic:
a) In the right eye, focal loss of corneal epithelium: underlying stromal oedema. No inflammatory changes in sections examined.
b) Altered staining of fat cells at several sites.
c) Very slight mononuclear cell infiltrate in the ventral meninges in the cranium.

Coat:
No ectoparasites noted. Some hair missing behind the left shoulder, and small scabs in the skin at the site. The feet were muddy, with some balling of mud.

Terminal events and injuries:
a) There was atlanto-occipital joint dislocation with local haemorrhage (presumed caused at euthanasia by the handler).
b) The mucous membranes were very pale.
c) Areas of severe recent bruising and haematoma formation over the left rib cage where ribs 5 to 11 incl were fractured. The fractured ribs had punctured the left lung in several places and there was a considerable amount of free clotted blood in the thoracic cavity. (No free blood was seen in the upper respiratory tract.) The sixth and seventh thoracic vertebrae were fractured.
d) There were penetrating wounds over the left kidney and the right longissimus dorsi back muscle with much free blood in the abdominal cavity.
e) There was trauma and recent haemorrhage over the right scapula, which was also fractured.
f) Localised subcutaneous haemorrhages were also present on the left forearm, and left posterior abdomen.

Summary:
This young adult male hare was in good bodily condition. Corneal changes in one eye were recent but probably predated the 6th March: they could have interfered with clarity of vision.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 9; (REF: P00 052)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
Rigor mortis passing off. Some autolytic change present. Died on 6th March, examined on 8th March.

Nutritional status:
Body weight 3.29kg. Moderate fat deposits. 55gm of food in stomach.

Reproductive status:
Moderate Non-pregnant lactating adult female. Flaccid uterus with no tone - possibly puerperal.

Health status:
Internal, parasites,:
None seen macroscopically. Lab report on samples of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia'. Histology sections of gut wall show very occasional coccidial bodies.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic:
a) Most fat deposits appeared yellowed and granular.
b) Very small site of aortic mineralisation.
Microscopic:
a) Most fat deposits contain foci with fat atrophy.
b) Dystrophic mineralisation in the small aortic lesion.

Coat:
No ectoparasites noted. Patchy hair loss across the back on the right side and over the right shoulder. Wet fur and bloodstaining over the right hindleg. Muddy feet.

Terminal events and injuries:
a) There was atlanto-occipital joint dislocation with local haemorrhage (presumed caused at euthanasia by the handler.)
b) Three areas of haemorrhage present on the right side, and fractures of the last two ribs on the right. Some haemorrhage around both kidneys
c).Much of the skin and some faschia over the upper right hindleg pulled off, exposing tom musculature.
d) Traumatic separation of the two halves of the mandible acros the symphysis.

Summary:
This adult female hare was probably in early lactation. There was evidence of atrophy in the fat reserves but other changes noted were of a recent and traumatic nature.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 10: (REF: P00 052)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
In rigor mortis. Died on 7th March, examined on 8th March. Some autolytic changes.

Nutritional status:
Moderate. Body weight 2.68kg. Moderate fat deposits. 75gm of food in the stomach.

Reproductive status:
Young adult male. Testes descending into testicles.

Health status:
Internal parasites: None seen macroscopically. Lab report on samples of gut contents indicates the presence of 'Eimeria spp +'. (This is a modest coccidial infection.) Histology sections of gut wall show small aggregates of coccidial bodies.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic:
Crusty skin lesions around both nostrils.
Microscopic:
There was considerable inflammatory change in the surface epidermis and down into the dermis and subcutis beneath the nasal lesions.

Coat:
No ectoparasites noted. The feet were wet but not clogged with mud.

Terminal events and injuries:
a) There was no atlanto-occipital dislocation in this hare, but there was a fracture and local haemorrhage in the upper neck, at the junction between the second and third cervical vertebrae. This may have been the site of euthanasia by the handler.
b) Severe trauma affected the back and abdomen. There was bloodstaining of the coat to the right of the centre of the back and a puncture wound through the fascia beneath. The muscles in the region showed marked haemorrhage and there was a fracture across the lumbar vertebrae. The left side of the abdominal wall was also markedly bruised. The sublumbar muscles were torn and the left kidney was torn away from it normal site. Both small and large bowel were perforated, and at one site the small intestine was severed, with some local release of contents.
c) There was an episcleral haemorrhage on the right eye.

Summary:
This young adult hare had a chronic skin complaint affecting the nasal region. It is similar to the changes seen in spirochaete infections in hares. (In this case the external genitalia were not processed for microscopy to assess whether 'typical' lesions were also present there.) The hare had a measurable but mild coccidial infestation. The recent injuries to the back and abdomen were severe. Fracture in the neck was probably the method of euthanasia.  

Postmortem Report on Hare No 11: (REF: P00 053)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
Rigor mortis passing off. Early autolysis present. Died on 7th March, examined on 8th March.

Nutritional status:
Moderate. Body weight 3.43kg. Moderate fat deposits. 65gm of food in the stomach.

Reproductive status:
Young adult female. Not pregnant and not lactating.

Health status:
Internal parasites: None seen macroscopically. Lab report on samples of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia'. Histology sections of gut wall show very scanty numbers of coccidial bodies.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic:
a) Area of old adhesion between a short length of small intestine and the roof of the abdomen, and the right ovary.
b) Presence of several shot-gun pellets beneath the skin.
Microscopic:
a)Foci of striated muscle necrosis surrounded by a marked chronic reparative inflammatory response.
b) A small number of pink casts in the renal tubules.

Coat:
No ectoparasites noted. No caked mud on the feet.

Terminal events and injuries:
a) There was atlanto-occipital dislocation with much local haemorrhage (presumed caused at euthanasia by the handler).
b) There was a lot of recent haemorrhage into the right hind leg on both medial and lateral sides.
c) Haemorrhage was present on the left and right sides of the chest. No lumbar vertebral fracture was identified, but there was a massive haemorrhage into the left sublumbar muscle, around the left kidney.
d) The right side of the jaw was fractured in two places, with local haemorrhage internally and onto the skin on the left side of the chin and face.
e) Several small haemorhages were present on the forearms and left side.

Summary:
This young nonpregnant, non-lactating adult female was in moderate bodily condition. The presence of healing lesions in muscles, an old site of internal adhesions in otherwise healthy tissues, and the presence of shot-gun pellets indicates that it was recovering from a previous non-lethal shooting episode.

Postmortem Report on Hare No 12: (REF: P00 055)
(based on Gross autopsy, Microscopy of tissue samples and Parasitological exam.)

Carcase state:
Rigor mortis passing off. Early autolysis present. Died on 7th March, examined on 8th March.

Nutritional status:
Good. Body weight 3.4kg. Plentiful fat deposits. 85gm of food in the stomach.

Reproductive status:
In early pregnancy (3 small foetuses, 0.2gm each, in one uterine horn.) Not lactating.

Health status:
Internal parasites:
None seen macroscopically. Lab report on samples of gut contents indicates 'No evidence of infestation with endoparasites including coccidia'. Histology sections of gut wall show small numbers of coccidial bodies.
Pre-existing changes:
Macroscopic:
Yellowing and granularity of perirenal fat.
Microscopic:
The abnormal fat shows fat necrosis, calcification and steatitis. Some fat at other sites show similar but less intense changes.

Coat:
Several fleas were present. Patches of hair loss over the left hindleg with regrowth of new short hair. Recent hair loss over the left rib cage.

Terminal events and injuries:
a) There was atlanto-occipital dislocation with local haemorrhage (presumed to be caused at euthanasia by the handler).
b) There was fracture of the last two ribs on the left side, dorsally and local haemorrhage which extended into the thorax.
c) Lumbar vertebrae were fractured
d) There was haemorrhage into the upper part of the right hind leg.
e) There was haemorrhage around the left femur. The left side of the pelvis was fractured and the left hock was dislocated but there was little associated haemorrhage.
f) Episcleral haemorrage over the right eye.
g) Blood was present at the mouth edges and on the cheek: the jaw was fractured.
h) Skin was missing from the ventral abdomen and there were puncture wounds into the abdomen, but there was no blood within the abdominal cavity

Summary:
This adult non-lactating female was in early pregnancy. Body fat was plentiful, but in places it showed chronic regressive and degenerative changes suggesting previous metabolic upset. The carcase showed a variety of recent traumatic injuries, a few of which were unaccompanied by much associated haemorrhage, and so may have occurred after death.

Table of Iniuries Sustained in 12 hares during Coursing

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