Electrocution
- Common causes are
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Defective electric circuits in cow sheds.
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Electric pole or water lines may be electrified due to a short circuit.
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Transmission lines may break and fall on the animals.
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Fallen transmission wires may electrify a pool of water and animals passing through it may be killed instantly.
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Animals may chew the electric-cord and receive an electric shock.
Effect of electrocution on the body
- The clinical symptoms due to electrocution depend upon
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The strength of the current
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The efficiency of the contact and earth and
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The length of exposure and the area in contact.
- Death by electrocution occurs due to
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiratory failure.
- Clinical symptoms of electrocution
- Minor
- Animal will be restless, nervous and may kicking.
- Animal which have received intermittent shock, may eat and drink with care.
- Less severe
- Severe
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Animals may fall dead without struggle in most instances.
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Singeing and burning marks occurs in most of the cases of lightning.
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Hairs have a brownish discolouration and abnormal kinking.
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Half-chewed food in the mouth is a significant finding in the case of a lightning stroke.
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Varying degrees of shock may occur.
- Postmortem changes in electrocution
- Circulatory system
- Bloody discharge from all natural orifices.
- Blood is dark and tends to clot slowly.
- Petechial haemorrhages throughout the body, endocardium, meninges and CNS.
- Skin & Musulo skeletal system
- Extravasation of blood in muscles and superficial lymphnodes.
- Longitudinal fractures of long ones.
- Singeing or burning marks on the feet or muzzle.
- Gastro Intestinal tracts
- Distended rumen and swollen carcass.
- Respiratory system
- Congested upper respiratory tract mucosal.
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Last modified: Tuesday, 5 June 2012, 9:57 AM
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