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Inter-Canine Distance

Definition

The distance between the tips or contact points of the upper canine teeth on each side of the arch. This measurement differs substantially between species: approximately 28 to 35 mm in adult humans, 40 to 60 mm in medium to large dogs, and much wider in large cats. Inter-canine distance is a primary discriminator.

Related terms

Avulsive Wound
A wound in which tissue is torn away rather than cleanly cut. Dog and large-cat bites frequently create avulsive wounds through a...
Carnassial Teeth
The large, blade-like shearing teeth (upper fourth premolar and lower first molar in dogs and cats) that carnivores use to slice through...
Perimortem
At or around the time of death. Distinguishing perimortem predation injuries (which may indicate a cause of death) from postmortem scavenging (which...
Puncture Wound
A wound where a pointed tooth penetrates tissue to create a hole with a relatively small surface opening and a deeper track....
Scavenging Artefact
Marks, wounds, or tissue removal caused by animals feeding on a body after death. Scavenging artefacts can alter or destroy existing wounds...

Explained in

  • Human versus Animal Bite MarksThe distance between the tips or contact points of the upper canine teeth on each side of the arch. This measurement differs substantially between species: app...

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