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Multidisciplinary approach to fatal dog attacks: a forensic case study
Nidhal Haj Salem1, Meriem Belhadj, Abir Aissaoui
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Universital Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Al Munastîr, Tunisia. nidhal.hajsalem@yahoo.fr
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|August 6, 2013
Summary
A fatal dog attack resulted in a woman's death from exsanguination due to a neck injury. This rare case highlights the public health risks associated with dog bites, even from a pet.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Veterinary Forensics
- Public Health
Background:
- Dog-bite injuries and fatalities are a growing public health concern.
- Canine companionship is increasingly integrated into human social structures.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old woman was found deceased with extensive injuries and signs of being dragged.
- The injuries were severe, concentrated on the face, neck, and head, and traced to her own dog.
Findings:
- Death was attributed to exsanguination from a lacerated neck blood vessel and a fractured cervical vertebra.
- Unusually, the dog bites injured the vertebral artery without affecting the carotid artery.
- A multidisciplinary approach, including histology, odontology, and DNA analysis, confirmed the dog-bite etiology.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential severity of dog-related injuries, even from pets.
- It highlights the importance of a thorough forensic investigation in determining the cause of death in animal-related incidents.
- Understanding the biomechanics of such injuries is crucial for public health and safety measures.
