Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vestibular signs associated with suspected lightning strike in two horses.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Bedenice, D et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Science · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two healthy 14-year-old horses showed signs of vestibular disease, which affects balance and coordination, after they might have been struck by lightning. Despite thorough tests, including X-rays and a look inside their bodies, no major issues were found. One of the horses had a slight difference in the timing of sound responses between its ears, but everything else related to brain function appeared normal. The situation suggests that the lightning strike may have caused some neurological effects, but the exact impact remains unclear.
Abstract
Two previously healthy 14-year-old horses developed right-sided unilateral vestibular signs after they had possibly been struck by lightning. Repeated radiographic and endoscopic evaluations did not reveal any significant changes. A brainstem auditory evoked response test indicated a subtle left to right interaural latency difference of waves I, III and V in the more severely affected pony, but its central conduction time remained normal.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11708637/