In Skyrim, when we kill a dragon it practically burns away as the Dovahkiin takes its essence. The game of course waits for us to approach for this to happen. However, I had a wonder.

What happens to a dragons body if the Dovakhiin isn't around? Does it stay whole and intact until it rots to bones, and Alduin eventually comes back to ressurect it? Or does it melt away and the 'soul' simply departs to wherever until Aldun comes along?

After all, there was something to put into those giant pits that Alduin calls his 'friends' out of. I'm just curious if it entered as flesh or bone.

There was a Dragon mound if I recall that still had a rather chatty dragon within. Not sure what to make of that, but its possible that Dragons souls remain with their corpse. A type of sleep if you will, hence why the Blades are sort of gung-ho about needing a Dragonborn around. Kind of would svck if said corpse is stripped to make weapons and armor, like the Fang of Haynekhtnamet (Assuming it was a real dragon), or the Dragonbone Cuirass. I'm sure Alduin's shout would fix them up if they're only missing a few things here and there.

When Sahloknir is resurrected by Alduin, he emerges from his burial mound as a skeleton and his flesh grows back a few moments later. So their bodies seem to decay normally after they die, even if their soul endures.