Forensic evaluation of a fatal shotgun injury in a Cane Corso dog: Necropsy and radiographic findings.

BACKGROUND

Although firearm-related injuries are relatively uncommon in veterinary forensic pathology, they constitute an important cause of animal traumatic death. Accurate forensic evaluation of such cases necessitates an integrative, multidisciplinary approach to determine the cause and manner of death.

CASE DESCRIPTION: This report presents the forensic investigation of a 5-year-old male Cane Corso dog found dead with no prior clinical signs. Necropsy revealed multiple pellet entry wounds on the skin and soft tissues. Radiographic and gross pathological examination demonstrated widespread pellet distribution in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Histopathological analysis confirmed multi-organ damage, including hemorrhage, necrosis, and tissue disruption in the heart, lungs, and liver. Although the firearm was not recovered, a close-range discharge was indicated by ballistic analysis.

CONCLUSION

The manner of death was determined to be multi-organ trauma resulting from close-range shotgun pellet penetration. This case highlights the forensic significance of penetrating firearm injuries in veterinary pathology and emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in investigating such cases.