The Open Forensic Science Journal

2010, 3 : 1-5
Published online 2010 April 21. DOI: 10.2174/1874402801003010001
Publisher ID: TOFORSJ-3-1

Lethal Hemorrhage Induced by A Pet Cat Scratch on Varicose Veins

C. Apostolidou , T. Koletsa , F. Chatzinikolaou , D. Psaroulis , S. N. Njau and I. Kostopoulos
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Forensic Medicine&Toxicology Department, University Campus, 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece.

ABSTRACT

This report details the case of a 76-year old woman who was found dead at her home in a pool of blood after suffering leg injury by her pet cat. A claw was found on her trauma. Veterinary examination verified that the claw belonged to her cat. Macroscopic and microscopic findings confirmed that the victim was suffering from varicose veins in the lower limbs. Though the death scene suggested that a crime had taken place, a thorough investigation demonstrated that the cause of death was bleeding from the ruptured varicose veins.