Gene Hackman's dog likely died of dehydration and starvation, showed partial mummification, report says

The report, released by the Santa Fe County animal control agency, stated the partial mummification of the animal could have obscured changes in organs, but there was no evidence of poisoning, infectious disease or trauma that could have led to death.

The report also specified that the dog's stomach was empty, with only small amounts of hair and bile discovered. 

Zinna, one of the couple's three dogs, was found when Hackman and Arakawa's bodies were discovered at their Santa Fe home Feb. 26. 

Authorities previously revealed that Zinna's body was discovered in a crate that was in a closet about "10 to 15" feet away from where Betsy's body was found on the floor of the bathroom. 

"There was a procedure that was done with the dog which may explain why the dog was in a crate," Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza explained during the news conference.

Zinfandel, who was called Zinna, was a mixed breed and was the couple's oldest dog. She was 12. 

The couple also owned two German shepherds - Bear, 4, and Nikita, 7.

During the investigation, officers discovered Betsy had picked up Zinna from Gruda Veterinary Hospital in Santa Fe Feb. 9. 

WATCH: NEW MEXICO OFFICIALS CONFIRMED WHAT CAUSED GENE HACKMAN AND WIFE BETSY'S DEATHS

Betsy died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which is transmitted from animals to humans and is commonly found in rodents, the New Mexico Department of Health confirmed. Her autopsy determined the manner of death was natural. Authorities believe she died on or about Feb. 11.

Hantavirus is characterized by "flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, muscle aches, cough, sometimes vomiting and diarrhea that can progress to shortness of breath and cardiac or heart failure and lung failure," Chief Medical Investigator Heather Jarrell explained during the news conference.

The investigation remains ongoing until cellphone data can be reviewed.

"Anytime Betsy had an errand to do, they went with her. These dogs loved going on a ride in the car with Betsy, and it didn't matter if it was going to the store, even when we would go to dinner. We'd go to dinner, and the dogs would be in the car. They were very much attached to Betsy," Padilla explained.

"It's hard to explain and encompass how much these dogs meant to these people."

Padilla said Arakawa would never put her animals in harm's way.

"I want to reiterate there is nothing that Betsy wouldn't do for those three dogs. In my opinion, there is no way that dog was up on purpose or without a purpose. There was a reason. It just breaks my heart about Zinna. Zinna would not leave Betsy's side. They were attached to the hip. It was a pretty phenomenal connection," Padilla said.

Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright and The Associated Press contributed to this report.