Authorities Rule Out Overdose in Animal Tranquilization
Authorities have now said that negligence did not play a role in the death of Lynx Bores, claiming that tests ruled out a tranquilizer overdose, showing no signs of excessive tranquilizer use. Unfortunately, no other cause was suggested, as people were hoping to find credible answers as to why the animal died.
The wild but domesticated animal - which should not have been kept as a pet in the first place - was released from an animal shelter, where his health was degrading being kept alone in a cage, following a public signature campaign urging its return to its owner.
This put authorities in a difficult position, as there was no legal framework to support the decision, yet significant public pressure influenced the outcome. Authorities then decided to return the animal.
Tragically, the lynx died after an agonizing week post-release. While tranquilization may not have been necessary in the first place, as many argue, concerns arose that an excessive dose could have contributed to its death. People argue that the lynx was deliberately killed to solve the problem of a lack of legal framework.
The death of Bores, the desert lynx, was not due to excessive sedation. The Judiciary Police conducted a toxicology test, which came back negative, according to José Matos, the director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the PJ.
What is A Toxicology Report?
A toxicology report primarily focuses on identifying toxic substances in the body, but it does not directly provide detailed information about underlying health issues like diseases, infections, or genetic conditions. However, it could potentially reveal clues if the health issue caused a toxic buildup, such as:
Organ Dysfunction: Some health conditions (like kidney or liver failure) can cause the accumulation of substances in the body that might be detectable in a toxicology report. For example, if the liver isn't functioning properly, it might not be able to process certain toxins or medications effectively, leading to elevated levels in the system.
Metabolic Disorders: Certain metabolic diseases can cause harmful substances to accumulate in the body. If the lynx had an underlying metabolic disorder (like diabetes or kidney disease), the toxicology report might detect abnormal levels of metabolic byproducts.
Infections: In some cases, infections might release toxins into the bloodstream, which could be detected. However, the report would likely only detect these toxins if they are specific to the infection and present in measurable amounts at the time of death.
Immune System Issues: If the lynx had an autoimmune or other immune system-related disorder, it could lead to an abnormal toxicological profile, but again, these would only show up as specific markers of the disease or its consequences.
Was a Necropsy Performed to Determine the Cause of Death?
To fully understand if a health issue contributed to the lynx’s death, a necropsy (animal autopsy) would be necessary. A necropsy provides more detailed information about the internal organs and any diseases or injuries that might not be immediately apparent in a toxicology report. It can reveal things like:
Heart conditions (e.g., heart failure or arrhythmia),
Respiratory issues (e.g., pneumonia or fluid buildup),
Infections (e.g., bacterial or viral infections),
Internal injuries (e.g., trauma from a fight or accident),
Chronic conditions (e.g., tumors, organ degeneration).
In summary, while a toxicology report might provide some clues about how a health issue contributed to the death, it cannot definitively diagnose diseases or conditions. A necropsy would be needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the lynx's health and any contributing factors.
Source: RTP Madeira
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