Over the past decade, veterinary forensic toxicology has gained increasing relevance due to the recognition of animal poisoning as a criminal, environmental, and public health concern. This review provides an updated overview on current perspectives in veterinary forensic toxicology, focusing on common toxicological scenarios, analytical innovations, and interpretative challenges. Intentional poisoning of companion animals, wildlife intoxication, and environmental contamination are discussed within a One Health framework. Mass spectrometry-based techniques, including targeted gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for non-targeted screening, and emerging ambient mass spectrometry approaches are highlighted as pivotal tools in modern forensic investigations. Major limitations related to post-mortem changes, species-specific toxicokinetic, and the lack of harmonized interpretative criteria are critically examined. The review also identified future priorities such as methodological standardization, expansion of toxicokinetic databases across species, detection of emerging contaminants, and strengthened international cooperation. Overall, veterinary forensic toxicology is an emerging discipline at the intersection of animal welfare, environmental conservation, and public health providing essential evidence for legal, regulatory, and investigative purposes.

Vipera aspis envenomation represents a potentially life-threatening condition in dogs, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas of Central Italy, where this species is endemic. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, therapeutic management, and outcome of a dog bitten by Vipera aspis in the Umbria region. At admission, the dog exhibited mild fever, localized swelling, pain at the bite site, and mild systemic clinical signs. Antivenom was not administered, and the dog was managed with supportive and medical therapy aimed at controlling inflammation, preventing secondary infection, and monitoring systemic involvement. The clinical course was favorable, and the dog recovered without complications. As this report describes a single clinical case, no conclusions regarding treatment efficacy can be drawn. However, this case provides additional clinical information on the management and outcome of Vipera aspis envenomation in dogs.