An unusual finding of a gunshot wound caused by a diabolo pellet in the liver of a cat: A case report

Abstract

Here we report the accidental discovery of a gunshot wound involving a diabolo pellet in the liver of a cat. Toxicology results investigating the possibility of poisoning by anticoagulant rodenticide-type agents (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, diphethialone, flocoumafen, and warfarin) and for cholinesterase inhibitor pesticides (carbofuran) were negative. Internal examination discovered minor amounts of free blood in the chest cavity and uncoagulated blood in the heart cavities. The cardiac musculature of the ventricles is hypertrophied, and cavities of the ventricles are narrowed. The lungs exhibit an edema, and there are extensive confluent diffuse hemorrhages. The kidneys are light brown in color, soft in consistency, with dotted or diffuse hemorrhages in the cortex and marrow. There is dark red fluid in the bladder. There is a slightly protruding structure in the center of the right lateral lobe of the liver in view of the diaphragmatic surface, in which the diabolo pellet, with a wound, has been encased. Autopsy documents reveal renal failure. In relation to the autopsy findings, attention is paid to the impact of the release of lead from the diabolo pellet into the body, impairing filtration, leading to renal failure and death. In the puzzle of the cause of death based on autopsy and toxicological findings, the work is a good example of the importance of considering several factors in renal failure even without further investigation.