Autopsy Features of Fatal Donkey Attack. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fogel, Lajos; Varga, Gyula; Hubay, Marta; Felszeghy, Endre; Varga, Peter; Byard, Roger W.
• Is Part Of: American journal of forensic medicine & pathology. Volume 39:Number 4(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: donkey -- animal attack -- bite -- trample -- death -- blunt trauma; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic pathology -- Periodicals; 614.105
• DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-7910

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Lethal donkey attacks have very rarely been described. The case of a 65-year-old man who was found deceased on a country road with 2 domestic donkeys nearby is, therefore, reported. Examination of the body revealed contusions and lacerations of the face and scalp, a comminuted fracture of the left maxilla, comminuted fracturing of the right radius and ulna and of the left anterior superior iliac spine, a flail chest, and pulmonary contusions. In addition, there were bite marks on the left thigh, right buttock, right axilla/upper arm, and left cheek which corresponded to the dental arcades of the donkeys. Death had resulted from blunt chest trauma due to an attack by 1 or 2 donkeys. Deaths and serious injuries are much more commonly caused by horses; however, this case shows that even domesticated donkeys may also rarely be capable of inflicting significant trauma and so should be approached with circumspection.