Pathologists could not determine what killed dogs on flight

TIPP CITY, OHIO - Pathologists were not able to determine what caused the death of five German shepherds on a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Dayton International Airport in April. <br> <br> ``The cause of death can&#39;t be proven,&#39;&#39; said Dr. Sven Anstadt, a veterinarian at the Anstadt Animal Hospital near Tipp City where the surviving male dog, Koxo, underwent successful treatment for dehydration. ``There was so much tissue destruction that a lot of the things we wanted to look for was destroyed.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The dogs were imported from Frankfurt, Germany, and were in separate carriers in the cargo hold of a Delta passenger flight, Anstadt said Tuesday. <br> <br> ``These animals were in a very hot environment. Based on that history, we&#39;re suspicious that the deaths were from hypothermia (high body temperature),&#39;&#39; Anstadt said. ``Everything we know is compatible with that.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The dogs were owned by Al Gills, a Wapakoneta man who trains dogs for police and private duty. Anstadt said the dogs had been trained to detect drugs and explosives. <br> <br> Gills could not be reached for comment Tuesday night. His phone number is unpublished. <br> <br> Delta Air Lines spokeswoman Katie Connell on Tuesday would not comment on the pathology report. She did say Delta has a long-standing policy that prohibits animals from being checked along with other baggage between May 15 and Sept. 15 due to hot weather. <br> <br> Tipp City is about 15 miles north of Dayton.