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RE: [blackbelly] Identifying lightning deaths in sheep?

The Wintermutes
Sat, 24 Sep 2005 07:03:34 -0700

Thank you for your response Stephanie.

I didn't see anything on Severus in regards to singe marks.  Since it was
getting dark I had to hurry to get him buried.  There are too many coyotes
around here.  To entice them to come investigate the barnyard because of a
dead animal is not wise.  I do kind of remember seeing hay in his mouth
though.  I will check the hut out again today in better light.  I don't
think it has any damage though.

I guess the moral of this story is keep a large ram pen.  Luckily I have one
beautiful son off of Severus from this last spring.  Unfortunately his
nickname is "suicide kid" since he has nearly killed himself several times
through stupid antics!  Getting stuck under sheet metal in direct sunlight
on a hot day, for who knows how long, was his crowning achievement.

Well, moving on to the next page of life here.

Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of Stephanie Parrish
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 11:45 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [blackbelly] Identifying lightning deaths in sheep?

Mark,

Sorry to hear about it.

According to my Merck Vet. Manual, death from lightening is usually  
instantaneous and results from cardiac or respiratory arrest.  In about  
90% of the cases, there are singe marks on the carcass &/or damage to  
the immediate environment.  Singe marks are linear and usually found on  
the inside surfaces of the legs.  (I think they may be difficult to see  
on the dark haired areas of blackbellies).  And, because death is  
instantaneous, there is usually hay, grass, or other feed in the  
animal's mouth.  You may also want to check for damage (a melted spot)  
on the metal hog hut.

With condolences,
Stephanie



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