by-DR SANTOSH KUMAR (B.V.Sc & A.H.) TVO , VET HOSPITAL BALRAMPUR , KATIHAR. EMAIL ID- DRSANT79@GMAIL.COM
INTRODUCTION:
Lightning stroke is the massive discharge of electricity between clouds or between cloud and objects on earth.. These high voltage current reaches earth and spread on large area on ground due to dampness or water bodies.
It causes damage to human as well as animals every year. Animals are more vulnerable to lightning stroke as they are placed outside during thunderstorm and they have more step potential due to gaps between their four legs. Large animals like giraffe and elephants are even more likely to get stroked by lightning due to higher chance of touch potential and higher side flash.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
In strong lightning stroke, as in direct strike, animal dies instantly.
In low potential stroke ,animal(S) become unconscious and may recover in few minutes to several hours.
In many cases blindness, limb paralysis, bone fracture or eardrum ruptures may be seen.
In most animals, singing of hairs or skin burn are seen.
PM FINDINGS
In most carcass,
Arboreal or fern pattern capillary congestion underneath skin
Bleeding from nostrils, eyes, ears or anus.
Unchewed or half chewed food in oral cavity
Severe haemorrhage in organs
Localized muscular rupture, haemorrhage and bone fractures
Early rigor mortis, rapid bloating and rapid carcass decomposition ( 6-8 hrs)
Lung congested but not compressed
Muscular infarction
MECHANISM
Lightning stroke damage nerve, muscle, organs and/ or bones. Animals dies of asphyxiation due to respiratory failure or hypovolemic shock due to ventricular fibrillation.
CONCLUSION
Lightning stroke can be confirmed by clinical as well as circumstantial evidence taken together. Since carcass decomposes rapidly, in most cases death can be confirmed mostly based on circumstantial evidences like smashed or burnt tree and by ruling out other diseases by thorough necropsy of a well preserved carcass.
