Atmospheric flash injuries in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Acta Vet Hung. 2006 Mar;54(1):43-9. doi: 10.1556/AVet.54.2006.1.5.

Abstract

The pathological and histopathological examination of two female roe deer found dead after a severe thunderstorm is described. One of the two roe deer was killed by a direct hit of atmospheric flash, while the other animal, lying 1.5 m from the first one, died as a consequence of ground current strike. The major part of the coat and skin of the animal that was killed by a direct hit was covered with scorched streaks. The trachea and bronchi of both animals contained a considerable amount of aspirated light-red foam. Necropsy revealed diffuse haemorrhages over the epicardium of the right atrium with a diameter of 1 millimetre. The liver and the kidney exhibited severe congestion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Burns, Electric / etiology
  • Burns, Electric / pathology
  • Burns, Electric / veterinary
  • Deer / injuries*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hemothorax / etiology
  • Hemothorax / pathology
  • Hemothorax / veterinary
  • Lightning Injuries / complications
  • Lightning Injuries / diagnosis
  • Lightning Injuries / veterinary*