Deer lungs...

Guru · February 23, 2011, 08:52:00 PM

Have you ever noticed this before?

These are the lungs from the 2 1/2 yr. old back I killed back in Nov...

Near lung that the arrow entered first...
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Far side lung...
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See the difference?
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the near lung had an entire front lobe that didn't grow!

lpcjon2 · February 23, 2011, 09:04:00 PM

I give you credit, not to many people would notice that(gut and go crew). I do autopsy's on humans and come across abnormalities similar. Its amazing how some organs can compensate for the abnormal counterparts.I bet that didn't slow him down any.

Hess · February 23, 2011, 09:12:00 PM

Where's Tippet on this one?

Good photos!

dan d · February 23, 2011, 09:17:00 PM

Wow ! I must admit I wouldn't of even noticed it.
Dan

Orion · February 23, 2011, 09:27:00 PM

Might that lung have been damaged earlier? Did you by any chance check for an old arrow/bullet hole in the area just at the top of the lungs?

Two Wolves · February 23, 2011, 09:49:00 PM

Good eye. Nice shot too!

Winterhawk1960 · February 23, 2011, 09:50:00 PM

Humans have three lobes on the right side and only two on the left side. This is due to the space that the heart takes up on the left side.

I've handled a few deer lungs over the years, but quite honestly I never counted the lobes. I'll start paying more attention.

This could be "normal" for deer.

Winterhawk1960

Guru · February 23, 2011, 10:23:00 PM

Tim, I think it's the taxidermist in me that helps me notice the "little things" that a lot of other folks wouldn't. Plus I'm always trying to learn...

Orion, He was fit, fat, and not a mark on him...

Winter, I always look, and I realise they are never exactly the same size , just like us. But I've never noticed such a big difference in size...

This is another deer I shot earlier last fall. From a 1.5yr. old doe....both lungs very close to the same size and shape. What I normally see when checking...
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Jason R. Wesbrock · February 23, 2011, 10:32:00 PM

Curt,

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's noticed that before. I shot a 7-pointer on opening day in 2009 that had a deformed rear lobe on its right lung. Instead of a full lobe, there was just a horizantal strip about an inch wide along the top.

Like yours, the only wounds on my deer were very, very recent.

Guru · February 23, 2011, 10:37:00 PM

Another thing I've noticed...but this time something similar in both deer...

Left lung is very smooth and almost seems to be one piece....Right lung really seems to be "lobey" or more "broken"

Guru · February 23, 2011, 10:38:00 PM

Jason, It's amazing what there is to learn when we "pay attention"

whitetail_downer100 · February 23, 2011, 10:49:00 PM

Never noticed this before but I did put an arrow into a deer once that looked like a perfect double lung and did not recover it... the thing barely bled. Two weeks later I picked up a road kill because it looked remarkably familiar especially the muzzy four blade shaped hole in its side and when I performed my crude autopsy it had the front 10" of my arrow firmly planted in both lungs... somehow they just did not collapse. Anyone else have a similar experience... I would have never believed it if I did not see it for myself.

far rider · February 23, 2011, 10:55:00 PM

Good eye, I'll sure pay closer attention. Have you ask a wildlife biologist about this? Could be a deformation due to stress on the doe, or environmental issues during gestation or early fawn development. Just a thought.

tippit · February 23, 2011, 11:03:00 PM

That's why when we X-Ray animals we take 3 views. Two laterals Right side down & Left side down plus a ventral dorsal. You would think there wouldn't be a difference if you just took a side view (lateral) be it laying on the right or left side...But you will pick up many differences. Doc

February 24, 2011, 12:47:00 AM

More power to you Curt! Unless something wierd happened to make me investigate further the best view of the lungs that I get is the split second they are falling into the gut bucket.

Bisch

bill langer · February 24, 2011, 08:12:00 AM

Interesting topic...

KentuckyTJ · February 24, 2011, 08:38:00 AM

Tippit---isn't this normal in a deer? I usually look at mine and have found them to have and I believe it is the left side that is always larger.

JoeM · February 24, 2011, 09:00:00 AM

Now where learning something!!! Always try to keep learning!! Good thread Curt. Gonna follow this one. Joe

ssoden · February 24, 2011, 09:17:00 AM

Interesting .. I've heard in the past that Deer's lungs are different in size from side to side. I'll look for the info .. I know I saved it at one time .. ?

Gen273 · February 24, 2011, 09:50:00 AM

Curt,
That is some good observation!!!