Burns
Burns
Burns are caused by heat, chemicals, electric shocks, or radiation. Hot liquids
may scald a dog. Sunburn is an example of a radiation burn. It occurs on the
noses of dogs with insufficient pigment and on the skin of white-coated dogs
who are clipped short in summer.
The extent of skin damage depends upon the length of exposure.
A first-degree burn causes the skin to become red, slightly swollen, and
painful. It usually heals in about five days.
A second-degree burn is deeper and there is blistering. These burns are
extremely painful. If there is no infection, healing is usually complete in 21
days.
A third-degree burn involves the full thickness of skin and extends into
the subcutaneous fat. These burns appear charred, dry, and leathery. The hair
comes out easily when pulled. Deep burns, because they destroy nerve endings, usually are not as painful as second-degree burns.
16 • DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
A magazine makes a good
temporary splint for leg
fractures below the elbow
or knee. Hold the magazine in place with tape.
An effective splint crosses
the joints above and
below the fracture site.
If more than 50 percent of the dog’s body surface is involved with seconddegree burns, or if more than 30 percent is involved with third-degree burns,
survival is unlikely.
Treatment: All but minor burns require professional attention. Protect the
area from further injury by wrapping it with a loose-fitting damp gauze dressing and proceed at once to the veterinary clinic. Extensive burns require
intensive care to treat shock, adjust fluid and electrolyte losses, and prevent
secondary infection.
If your dog appears to be suffering from electrical shock, use a wooden
implement to slide any cords away from him before you touch him.
Alternatively, unplug all cords or turn off the circuit breakers so that you
won’t get a shock too.
Small superficial burns that involve less than 5 percent of the body surface
can be treated at home. Apply cool compresses (not ice packs) for 20 minutes
to relieve pain and lessen the depth of the injury. Clip the coat over the burn
and wash the skin gently with a surgical antiseptic such as dilute chlorhexidine solution (see Wounds, page 42). Apply a topical antibiotic ointment such
as triple antibiotic, and bandage the area. The bandage should be removed
daily and the wound medicated and redressed.
When acid, alkali, gasoline, kerosene, or other chemicals have caused the
burn, or even come in contact with the skin, immediately flush the area with
large amounts of water for 10 minutes. Wear rubber or plastic gloves and
bathe the dog with mild soap and water. Blot dry. If there are any signs of
burning (such as redness or blistering), call your veterinarian for further
instructions.
Burns are caused by heat, chemicals, electric shocks, or radiation. Hot liquids
may scald a dog. Sunburn is an example of a radiation burn. It occurs on the
noses of dogs with insufficient pigment and on the skin of white-coated dogs
who are clipped short in summer.
The extent of skin damage depends upon the length of exposure.
A first-degree burn causes the skin to become red, slightly swollen, and
painful. It usually heals in about five days.
A second-degree burn is deeper and there is blistering. These burns are
extremely painful. If there is no infection, healing is usually complete in 21
days.
A third-degree burn involves the full thickness of skin and extends into
the subcutaneous fat. These burns appear charred, dry, and leathery. The hair
comes out easily when pulled. Deep burns, because they destroy nerve endings, usually are not as painful as second-degree burns.
16 • DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
A magazine makes a good
temporary splint for leg
fractures below the elbow
or knee. Hold the magazine in place with tape.
An effective splint crosses
the joints above and
below the fracture site.
If more than 50 percent of the dog’s body surface is involved with seconddegree burns, or if more than 30 percent is involved with third-degree burns,
survival is unlikely.
Treatment: All but minor burns require professional attention. Protect the
area from further injury by wrapping it with a loose-fitting damp gauze dressing and proceed at once to the veterinary clinic. Extensive burns require
intensive care to treat shock, adjust fluid and electrolyte losses, and prevent
secondary infection.
If your dog appears to be suffering from electrical shock, use a wooden
implement to slide any cords away from him before you touch him.
Alternatively, unplug all cords or turn off the circuit breakers so that you
won’t get a shock too.
Small superficial burns that involve less than 5 percent of the body surface
can be treated at home. Apply cool compresses (not ice packs) for 20 minutes
to relieve pain and lessen the depth of the injury. Clip the coat over the burn
and wash the skin gently with a surgical antiseptic such as dilute chlorhexidine solution (see Wounds, page 42). Apply a topical antibiotic ointment such
as triple antibiotic, and bandage the area. The bandage should be removed
daily and the wound medicated and redressed.
When acid, alkali, gasoline, kerosene, or other chemicals have caused the
burn, or even come in contact with the skin, immediately flush the area with
large amounts of water for 10 minutes. Wear rubber or plastic gloves and
bathe the dog with mild soap and water. Blot dry. If there are any signs of
burning (such as redness or blistering), call your veterinarian for further
instructions.
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