An examination of the dog found dead along with actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home shows dehydration and starvation were likely what led to the animal's demise. The kelpie mix named Zinna was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet near Betsy's body, while two other dogs survived.

A report from the Santa Fe County Animal Control Agency details partial mummification and notes that while the decomposition could have obscured changes in the dog's body, there was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma or poisoning that could have resulted in death. The report, seen by Associated Press, noted that the dog's stomach was mostly empty except for small amounts of hair and bile.

Authorities confirmed last week that Hackman likely died of heart disease with complications from disease. His death is believed to have occurred around a week after a rare, rodent-borne disease - hantavirus pulmonary syndrome - took the life of his wife.

Experts say that the Superman actor, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's, was likely .

Hackman was found in the home's entryway, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom. Like the dog, their bodies were decomposing with some mummification, a consequence of body type and climate in Santa Fe's dry air at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet.

Following the tragedy, , German Shepherd Bear and German Shepherd mix Nikki, were left roaming around the Santa Fe mansion for weeks, alone and without care.

The dogs are currently being held at a boarding facility in Santa Fe with their future uncertain. It was reported earlier this week that the dogs can't be rehomed until Gene and Betsy's wills are reviewed.

On Friday, Gene Hackman's will reportedly revealed that is , paving the way for a .

Instead, all assets were set to go to his wife Betsy, with no inheritance for his son Christopher, and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth.

In the event of Gene and Betsy dying within 90 days of each other, all of Betsy's money was set to go to charity.

US reports indicate that Hackman's son has engaged a top lawyer specialising in will disputes, suggesting the possibility of a legal battle.

Despite the lack of a prenuptial agreement with his wife, and claims from his children of a positive relationship, daughter Elizabeth said she hadn't spoken to her father in months before his death.