Report Details

INCIDENT #1: CO Flight #250 Houston to Raleigh Durham Dog – Great Pyreneese / 2 yrs old August 4, 2008 Female / Name: “Sister”

Owner/Guardian REDACTED

Narrative Description:

Description of the Incident: This customer flew 2 dogs (1 Golden Retriever age 5 yrs and 1 Great Pyreneese age 2 yrs) from Reno to Raleigh Durham with a connection in Houston. Upon arrival into Raleigh Durham, the Great Pyreneese was deceased in its crate.

Description of the Cause of the Incident: A necropsy was performed at Continental’s expense and the pathologist noted that “sloughed epithelium in the bronchi”. These changes may have compromised the dogs respiratory function, contributing to its death. He also reported that there was 8cc of fluid in the pericardial sac. The usual amount of fluid should be 1-3cc’s. A pericardial effusion in sufficient quantity, may compromise the functioning of the heart, causing cardiovascular restrictions and subsequent death. This would also help explain why the companion animal in the second crate and other customers animals on the same flight arrived without incident.

Description of any corrective action taken: None. The death of this pet was clearly a pre-existing condition and not transit related.