THE cause of death for Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s loyal dog who died alongside the married couple has been revealed.
Zinna, a beloved Australian Kelpie mix, was tragically found in a “mummified state” inside a crate in the bathroom near to the body of Betsy.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa pictured with two of their three dogs in 2014[/caption]
Gene and Betsy at the DW Griffith Awards in New York City in February 1992[/caption]
Vets have ruled out an infection or poisoning leading to the 12-year-old’s death with it taking weeks for answers to finally emerge.
An examination of Zinna has now revealed the dog showed signs of both dehydration and starvation.
Officials say both possible causes of death are likely, according to tests done on the canine.
A Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab report obtained by The Associated Press says Zinna was found in a partially mummified state.
They noted that despite the severe decomposition possibly making it heard to detect organ related issue no evidence of a disease, trauma or poisoning have been found.
The report noted that the dog’s stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile.
