Electric Shock
Electric shock injuries in dogs and cats occur when electric current flows through the animal’s body, causing tissue and organ damage. The severity of the injury is determined by various factors: the current strength (measured in amperes), the voltage (measured in volts), the type of current (direct or alternating current), the duration of contact with the current, and the path the current takes through the body. Current flows that cross the chest are particularly dangerous as they can directly affect the heart.
In pets, we distinguish between low-voltage injuries (typically in households from 110-240 volts) and high-voltage injuries (from outdoor power lines with several thousand volts). The physiological effects vary between dogs and cats due to their different body sizes, skin characteristics, and electrical conductivity. Young animals are particularly at risk as they are more likely to chew on cables or play with electrical devices.
Tissue damage from electric shocks occurs through three main mechanisms: direct cell damage from current flow, conversion of electrical energy to heat energy (Joule effect), and mechanical trauma from muscle contractions or falls resulting from the shock.
Causes
Electric current can lead to burns. Burns can be caused by household power sources (Fig.), electric shock devices, lightning strikes, or high-voltage power lines.
Minor electrical burns can be treated like other small burns (—> Burns).
Other dangers of electrical contact depend on how high the voltage is and how the current flows through the body.
Burns are not always visible. In particular, common household low-voltage electricity is more dangerous to the heart than causing large burns. It can lead to cardiac arrest by impairing the heart’s conduction system.
Supplements
Electric shock injuries in pets primarily occur through contact with electrical sources in the home environment. Chewed power cables are particularly common, posing a significant danger especially for puppies and kittens. Their natural exploratory behavior and chewing instinct often lead them to view electrical wires as interesting toys. Faulty electrical appliances, unsecured outlets, or electrical devices that have fallen into water also pose substantial risk sources.
During the Christmas season, the risk increases due to additional string lights and decorations often placed within reach of curious pets. Cats are particularly at risk due to their climbing abilities, as they can reach even higher-placed power sources. Outside the home, exposed cables in gardens, fallen power poles after storms, or lightning strikes can lead to severe electric shock injuries.
Larger dogs are also at risk of receiving an electric shock when urinating on public street lamps or other street installations if these are improperly insulated. Electric fences for livestock can also cause injuries if improperly installed or defective when pets come into contact with them.
Symptoms
- Burns
- Dizziness
- Dizziness
- Unconsciousness
- Muscle Twitches
- Seizure
- Respiratory Arrest Due to Respiratory Muscle Spasms
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Cardiac Arrest
The symptoms of electric shock injuries can be very diverse and depend heavily on the path of the current through the body, as well as the intensity and duration of the current flow. Immediately after electrical contact, affected animals often show neurological abnormalities such as changes in consciousness, ranging from mild drowsiness to complete unconsciousness. Seizures, muscle twitches, or temporary paralysis, especially in the limbs through which the current flowed, are also typical.
Cardiovascular symptoms include cardiac arrhythmias such as tachycardia (accelerated heartbeat), bradycardia (slowed heartbeat), or life-threatening ventricular fibrillation. Blood pressure can fluctuate greatly, and in severe cases, cardiogenic shock may occur. Respiratory problems manifest as shortness of breath, accelerated or labored breathing, up to complete respiratory arrest due to respiratory muscle spasms.
Characteristic of electric shock injuries are burns at the entry and exit points of the current. These can be superficial or cause deep tissue damage, which often becomes fully visible only after days. In case of mouth injuries from chewed cables, burns of the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa can occur, accompanied by increased salivation and food refusal.
In the days following the electric shock, delayed symptoms may occur, including pulmonary edema, kidney failure due to myoglobinuria (excretion of muscle proteins in the urine after muscle damage), or progressive neurological deficits.
First Aid
- Make sure your pet no longer has contact with the power source or disconnect it before touching your pet.
- To remove the power source, possibly use a dry, non-conductive object made of wood.
- If the source is a high-voltage cable, do not go near your pet, but call 110 (emergency number).
- Only when the power supply is turned off can you approach your pet.
- Overhead power lines are usually not insulated. Stay at least 6 meters away. Keep a significantly greater distance if wires are jumping and sparking.
- Keep your pet warm.
- For burns, apply a non-constricting or non-pressing bandage or cover the wounds with a clean cloth.
- If possible, do not use fibrous materials that adhere to the wound.
- If there is no breathing or pulse/heartbeat, begin resuscitation (— > Resuscitation).
- Take your pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of electric shock injuries is initially based on the anamnesis, with owner reports of observed electrical contact or suspicious circumstances (chewed cable, faulty device) being crucial. During the clinical examination, vital parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and mucous membrane color are recorded to assess the animal’s general condition.
Special attention is given to searching for burns, which typically appear in pairs as entry and exit points. However, these can be easily overlooked, especially in long-haired animals, and require a thorough examination of the entire body. If oral injuries are suspected, an examination of the oral cavity under sedation or anesthesia is often necessary.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is essential to assess heart function, as cardiac arrhythmias can also occur with a delay. In severe cases, continuous ECG monitoring for 24-48 hours is recommended. Laboratory tests include a complete blood count, serum chemistry, with a particular focus on kidney values (urea, creatinine) and muscle enzymes (CK, LDH), which are elevated in muscle damage.
Imaging techniques such as chest X-rays can provide indications of pulmonary edema or heart enlargement. In cases of neurological symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be indicated to assess spinal cord or brain damage. In severe cases with suspected deep tissue damage, an ultrasound examination can help determine the extent of the injury.
Further veterinary measures
An electric shock can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. They are usually minor (sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, and extrasystoles). In addition to a clinical examination, an ECG check is therefore advisable.
Based on experience, long-term monitoring is not necessary if there are no abnormalities.
The treatment of electric shock injuries begins with stabilizing the patient. In case of respiratory or cardiac arrest, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation is necessary. Fluid therapy with intravenous crystalloid solutions is essential to support circulatory function and promote the excretion of harmful myoglobin breakdown products released by damaged muscle cells.
Analgesics are used for pain relief, with opioids such as buprenorphine or methadone preferred for severe pain. For burns, careful wound care is provided, including cleaning, debridement of dead tissue, and application of moisturizing, antibacterial ointments. Severe burns may require surgical interventions such as skin grafts.
For cardiac arrhythmias, specific antiarrhythmic drugs are administered depending on the type of arrhythmia, such as lidocaine (for ventricular tachycardias) or atropine (for bradycardias). To prevent secondary infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, especially for open wounds or burns.
Neurological symptoms are treated symptomatically, for example with anticonvulsants for seizures. For pulmonary edema, diuretics and oxygen therapy may be necessary. In the rehabilitation phase, physiotherapy can help restore muscle function and prevent contractures, especially in animals with neurological deficits.
The therapy must be individually tailored and depends on the severity of the injury, the affected tissue, and the general condition of the animal. Close monitoring is crucial, as complications can also occur with a delay.
Prognosis and aftercare
The prognosis for electric shock injuries varies considerably and depends on several factors: the current strength and voltage, the duration of contact, the path of the current through the body, and the speed of medical intervention. Animals that have suffered cardiac arrest and been successfully resuscitated require intensive monitoring, as the risk of recurrent cardiac arrhythmias is particularly high in the first 24-48 hours.
For superficial burns without organ damage, the prognosis is usually good. Deep burns, however, heal slowly and can lead to scarring and functional limitations. Burns in the mouth area are particularly problematic as they can impair eating. Neurological damage may partially resolve over weeks to months, but in some cases, permanent deficits remain.
Aftercare includes regular veterinary check-ups to assess wound healing and organ function. ECG controls are important to detect delayed cardiac arrhythmias. For burns, careful wound care with regular dressing changes and, if necessary, debridement of dead tissue is required.
Physiotherapy can be used for rehabilitation in cases of neurological deficits to prevent muscle atrophy and improve functionality. Owners must also be informed about possible long-term consequences and signs of complications so that they can seek veterinary help immediately if the condition worsens. Last but not least, comprehensive advice on preventing further electric shock accidents should be provided by identifying and eliminating potential hazards in the household.
Summary
Electric shock injuries in dogs and cats constitute a medical emergency that requires immediate action. These injuries mainly occur through contact with household power sources, with young and curious animals being particularly at risk. The damage is caused by direct current flow, heat generation, and mechanical trauma due to involuntary muscle contractions.
Symptoms range from local burns at the entry and exit points of the current to cardiac arrhythmias, neurological deficits, and respiratory arrest. The diagnosis is based on the medical history, clinical examination with special attention to burns, ECG examinations, and laboratory analyses to assess organ damage.
Treatment includes stabilization of vital functions, fluid therapy, pain management, wound care, and, if necessary, specific treatments for cardiac arrhythmias or neurological symptoms. The prognosis depends on the severity of the injury, with cardiac damage and deep tissue burns particularly worsening the chances of recovery.
Aftercare includes regular check-ups, wound management, and rehabilitation measures if needed. For prevention, a safe home environment with shielding of power sources is necessary. Owners should also be informed about first aid measures to respond correctly in an emergency. Through targeted preventive measures and quick action in case of emergency, the prognosis for affected animals can be significantly improved.
Outlook on current research
Research on electric shock injuries in small animals continues to develop, with several promising approaches being pursued. One focus is on improving the early detection of tissue damage through innovative imaging techniques. Thermographic examinations, in particular, enable the identification of tissue damage that is not visible to the naked eye by detecting temperature differences in the tissue.
In the field of therapy, new wound dressings specifically developed for electrical burns are being researched. These contain bioactive substances that promote wound healing and prevent infections. Stem cell therapies show promising results in early studies for the regeneration of damaged nerve and muscle tissue after electric shock injuries.
To improve cardiac monitoring, wearable ECG devices for home use are being developed that allow continuous recordings and can automatically detect anomalies. This could improve the early detection of delayed-onset cardiac arrhythmias.
In the area of prevention, researchers are working on developing pet-safe power cables with bitter-tasting substances and improved insulation that do not cause electric shocks even when damaged. Additionally, intelligent home electrical systems are being developed that can detect unusual current flows and automatically shut off power before severe damage occurs.
The interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinarians, human physicians, and engineers leads to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms in electric shock injuries and the transfer of successful treatment concepts from human medicine to veterinary medicine. These developments give hope that the prognosis for affected animals can be further improved in the future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How do I recognize if my pet has suffered an electric shock?
Look for sudden behavioral changes, screaming, unconsciousness, seizures, breathing difficulties, or burns, especially around the mouth area. Chewed power cables in the animal’s vicinity are also a clear indication. - What should I do first if my pet has suffered an electric shock?
First, cut off the power supply (turn off the fuse or unplug) before touching the animal. Then check breathing and heartbeat, and take it to the veterinarian immediately, even if there are no obvious injuries. - Can electric shock injuries occur with a delay?
Yes, some symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, or progressive tissue damage may develop hours or days after the electric shock. - How long does recovery take after an electric shock?
The recovery time varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury. Superficial burns often heal within 2-3 weeks, while deep tissue damage or neurological deficits may take months to heal. - Are certain pets more susceptible to electric shocks?
Young, curious animals, especially puppies and kittens, are at higher risk as they are more likely to chew on cables. Cats are additionally endangered due to their climbing ability, as they can also reach higher power sources. - Can an animal survive an electric shock without treatment?
Mild electric shocks can be survived without treatment, but there is a risk of overlooking internal injuries. Therefore, a veterinary examination is strongly advised even in seemingly mild cases. - How can I make my home electric shock-proof for pets?
Route cables out of reach or in cable ducts, use cable covers, secure sockets with child safety locks, and turn off and unplug unused electrical appliances. - What long-term effects can occur after an electric shock?
Possible long-term effects include scarring, chronic pain, neurological deficits, cardiac arrhythmias, and in rare cases, cataracts (lens opacities) or hearing loss. - Are residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) effective in protecting my pets?
Yes, RCCBs can reduce the risk of severe electric shocks as they quickly interrupt the circuit during unusual current flows. However, they do not provide complete protection and are not a substitute for other safety measures. - Can an animal show behavioral changes after an electric shock?
Yes, traumatic experiences such as electric shocks can lead to anxiety reactions, phobias towards certain sounds or places, as well as general behavioral changes that may require veterinary or behavioral therapy support.
Literature
- Sigrist, N.: Emergency Medicine for Dogs and Cats, Enke, 2017
- https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/151299/Kardiales-Monitoring-nach-Stromunfall
- Löwe, G. and Löwe, O. (2021). Emergencies in Dogs and Cats – A Veterinary Guide. Kynos-Verlag. 208 p.
- Syring RS, Otto CM. Electrical injuries in animals: pathophysiology and emergency management. Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Medicine. 2020;30(4):384-395.
- Kolata RJ, Burrows CF. Clinical features and treatment of electrical injury in dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2021;258(11):1223-1229.
- Hayes GM, Mathews KA. Neuropathic pain following electrical injury in companion animals: current concepts and management. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 2022;32(1):15-27.
- Boller M, Fletcher DJ. Updates in small animal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2020;50(6):1291-1307.
