Burn
Burns are tissue damages caused by thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation exposure. In dogs and cats, burns often occur through direct contact with heat sources, hot liquids, or electric shocks. The severity of a burn is classified by degrees, with three main grades distinguished: first (superficial), second (partial thickness), and third-degree (full-thickness) burns. When assessing the severity, both the depth and extent of the burn play a crucial role. Burns affecting more than 15% of the body surface are particularly critical as they can lead to systemic complications such as fluid loss, electrolyte imbalances, and shock conditions. As the largest organ of the body, the skin fulfills important protective functions, and impairment through burns can have serious consequences.
Causes
A burn is tissue damage caused by exposure to heat from various sources (hot water or hot oil, contact with fire or very hot objects, electric shock, or inhalation of hot smoke or vapors).
Supplements
Burns in pets occur from various causes. Thermal burns are the most common form and are caused by direct contact with fire, hot surfaces such as stove tops, irons, or exhaust pipes. Scalds from hot liquids like spilled cooking water, coffee, or tea also occur regularly. Chemical burns result from contact with corrosive substances such as household cleaners, battery acid, or plant fertilizers, which are particularly insidious as they often continue to cause damage unnoticed if the substance is not completely removed. Electrical burns from chewed power cables or faulty electrical appliances often cause deep, punctiform entry wounds with severe internal damage. Sunburn is particularly problematic for light-skinned, short-haired animals and those with unpigmented skin areas, while frostbite can occur in cold climates. Inhalation burns from breathing in hot gases or smoke during fires damage the airways and can lead to life-threatening complications.
Symptoms
The symptoms of burns depend on the degree of the burn.
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Edema formation
- Blistering
- Change in skin color with severe burns (white, gray, leathery, black)
- Tissue death (necrosis)
The symptoms of burns vary significantly depending on the severity. First-degree burns show redness of the skin, mild swelling, and pain. The animal may show discomfort and lick or bite at the affected area. Second-degree burns are characterized by pronounced redness, severe swelling, and blistering. The pain is intense, and animals may show behavioral changes such as aggression or withdrawal. In third-degree burns, the skin appears white, gray, leathery, or charred. Paradoxically, these most severe burns may be less painful as the nerve endings have been destroyed. Systemic symptoms such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dehydration, and shock can occur with extensive burns. Inhalation burns manifest as respiratory distress, coughing, choking, and bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes. Electrical burns can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, unconsciousness, or neurological symptoms, while chemical burns often cause progressive tissue damage, severe pain, and discoloration of the affected skin areas.
First Aid
- Minor burns often do not require veterinary treatment.
- However, remove the collar or any other potentially chafing items from the animal.
- Usually, there is only redness of the skin. Cooling under running water, if possible, or with wet compresses (not ice) provides relief.
- Do not open blisters. As long as they remain closed, infection will not occur.
- If a blister opens on its own, clean it carefully with water and cover it. Do not use any material that leaves fibers in the wound.
- Once the skin redness has subsided, you can possibly apply a soothing, anti-inflammatory lotion to the reddened areas.
- Avoid matting of hair.
- If you don’t want to shave the area, leave the reddened skin untreated and dry.
- Even minor burns can be quite painful, so pain medication may need to be prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Skin and hair are significantly and possibly extensively damaged.
- The skin may be white, brown, dried out, charred, or completely lost.
- Fresh, small wounds can be cooled with room temperature water.
- Do NOT immerse the patient in water over large areas for cooling. This can lead to hypothermia. There is a risk of breathing problems, shock, infections, and more.
- Prevent hypothermia in cases of extensive wounds.
- Carefully wrap the patient in a clean towel or clean sheet.
- For severe burns, veterinary treatment is absolutely necessary.
- Drive to the veterinarian.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of burns begins with a thorough anamnesis, where the veterinarian inquires about possible causes and the time of the incident. During the clinical examination, the severity of the burn is assessed based on depth and extent. First-degree burns affect only the top layer of skin (epidermis), second-degree burns extend into the dermis, and third-degree burns penetrate all skin layers into the underlying tissue. Special schemes are used to determine the affected body surface area, similar to the “Rule of Nines” from human medicine, but adapted to the anatomy of dogs and cats. If inhalation burns are suspected, X-rays or bronchoscopies of the airways may be necessary. Electrical burns often require an ECG to check heart function, as cardiac arrhythmias are a common complication. Laboratory tests such as blood count, electrolytes, and kidney values help assess the animal’s systemic condition and detect complications like dehydration, electrolyte shifts, or incipient organ damage.
Further veterinary measures
If burns have destroyed large areas of skin, the barrier function in these areas is missing.
There are more or less significant losses of fluid and protein. The potential heat loss should not be underestimated. There is a risk of hypovolemic shock, sepsis, and hypothermia.
In addition to intensive local therapy for sepsis prophylaxis, body temperature, fluid balance, and protein balance must be maintained.
Pain therapy must be continuous.
Partial surgical removal of dead skin (necrosis removal) may be necessary. Large defects created as a result must be covered using special surgical techniques.
Supplements
The treatment of burns depends on the severity and extent of the injury. For first-degree burns, pain relief is the primary focus, often through non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local cooling. Second and third-degree burns require more intensive therapy. Initially, the patient is stabilized through intravenous fluid therapy to counteract dehydration and shock. Pain therapy is carried out with opioids, as these burns are extremely painful. Wound care includes careful cleaning with sterile saline solution and removal of dead tissue (debridement). Modern wound dressings such as hydrocolloid dressings, silver sulfadiazine creams, or biological wound dressings made from fish skin grafts are used. For extensive third-degree burns, skin grafts may be necessary. Antibiotics are used specifically to prevent or treat infections. For electrical burns, monitoring heart function is essential. Inhalation burns require oxygen therapy and possibly bronchodilators. Nutritional support is important as burn patients have increased calorie requirements. For severe burns, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can support the healing process.
Prognosis and aftercare
The prognosis for burns depends significantly on the severity, the affected body surface area, and the speed of treatment. First-degree burns usually heal within 7-10 days without scarring. Second-degree burns need about 2-3 weeks to heal and may leave slight scars. For third-degree burns, the prognosis should be more cautious; healing takes weeks to months and usually results in significant scarring with possible functional limitations. Burns affecting more than 50% of the body surface have an unfavorable prognosis despite intensive therapy. Aftercare includes regular dressing changes, initially daily, later at longer intervals. Physical therapy may be necessary to minimize movement restrictions due to scarring. Wound healing must be continuously monitored to detect complications such as infections early. With scar formation, special massage techniques and ointments can improve skin elasticity. Particularly important is protecting the healing skin from sun exposure, as it is especially sensitive. The psychological care of the animal should not be neglected, as painful treatments can lead to anxiety and behavioral problems.
Summary
Burns in dogs and cats represent serious injuries that require different treatment approaches depending on their severity. They are classified into three degrees, with first-degree burns affecting only the epidermis, second-degree burns extending into the dermis, and third-degree burns penetrating all skin layers. Causes can be thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation-related in nature. Symptoms range from redness and pain in mild burns to blistering, tissue necrosis, and systemic complications in severe cases. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and, if necessary, further diagnostics if accompanying injuries are suspected. Treatment includes pain management, fluid therapy, wound care, and surgical measures if needed. The prognosis depends on the severity and the affected body surface area. Careful follow-up care with regular dressing changes and physiotherapy if necessary is crucial for optimal healing. Preventive measures such as securing heat sources in the household can help avoid burns.
Outlook on current research
Research in the field of burn treatment for small animals continues to evolve. A promising approach is the use of biological wound dressings made from fish skin, particularly tilapia skin, which is rich in collagen and has similar structures to human skin. These dressings promote wound healing, reduce pain, and provide protection against infections. Stem cell therapies are gaining importance, with mesenchymal stem cells harvested from the animal’s adipose tissue or bone marrow and applied to burn wounds to promote tissue regeneration. In the area of wound dressings, antimicrobial bandages with controlled release of active ingredients are being developed to prevent infections while maintaining a moist wound environment. Advances in pain therapy include new formulations of local anesthetics with prolonged duration of action and innovative delivery systems. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows positive effects on wound healing in studies by improving tissue oxygenation and promoting angiogenesis. Laser therapy is also being researched to promote wound healing and reduce scar formation. These innovative approaches promise to improve treatment outcomes and shorten healing time for burns.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- How can I determine the severity of a burn in my pet?
First-degree burns show redness and slight swelling, second-degree burns show blistering, and third-degree burns show whitish, gray, or charred skin areas, often with reduced pain sensitivity. - What first aid measures can I take for a burn on my pet?
Cool small burns carefully with lukewarm water (not ice-cold), remove collars or other constricting objects, and take your pet to a veterinarian immediately for all but very superficial burns. - Can I apply home remedies like butter or oil to burns?
No, these home remedies can contaminate the wound, trap heat, and delay healing. Only use products recommended by the veterinarian. - How long does it take for burns to heal in pets?
Healing time varies depending on severity: first-degree burns heal in 7-10 days, second-degree burns in 2-3 weeks, and third-degree burns can take months. - Are certain dog or cat breeds more susceptible to burns?
Short-haired breeds and animals with light or unpigmented skin are more susceptible to sunburn. Brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds may be at higher risk for inhalation burns. - How can I prevent burns in my pet?
Secure heat sources such as stove tops, open fires, and hot liquids, place electrical cords out of reach, use sunscreen for sensitive animals, and store chemicals safely. - What long-term consequences can burns have in pets?
Possible consequences include scarring, limited mobility due to scar contractures, chronic pain, fur loss in the affected area, and psychological trauma. - When is a skin graft necessary for burned pets?
Skin grafts are considered for extensive third-degree burns when natural healing is insufficient or would lead to severe functional limitations. - How do I recognize an infection in a burn wound?
Signs of infection include increasing redness, swelling, and warmth around the wound, purulent or foul-smelling discharge, fever, and increased pain. - What special risks are associated with electrical burns?
Electrical burns may appear small externally but can cause severe internal damage, especially to the heart (arrhythmias) and nervous system. They always require veterinary care.
Literature
- Löwe, G. and Löwe, O. (2021). Emergencies in Dogs and Cats – A Veterinary Guide. Kynos-Verlag. 208 p.
- Vaughn L, Beckel N. Severe burn injury, burn shock, and smoke inhalation injury in small animals. Part 1: Burn classification and pathophysiology. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 2012;22(2):179-186.
- Pavletic MM, Trout NJ. Bullet, bite, and burn wounds in dogs and cats. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2021;51(3):661-689.
- Garzotto CK. Thermal burn injury. In: Silverstein DC, Hopper K, eds. Small Animal Critical Care Medicine. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2020:731-735.
- Hanson RR, Caldwell FT. Fish skin for treatment of partial thickness burns in dogs and cats. Veterinary Surgery. 2022;51(1):132-141.
- Quist EM, Tanaka H, Sommerfield LM, et al. Current treatments and future directions for managing canine and feline burn patients. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. 2023;14:45-58.