Skin burn
Skin burn
A skin burn is caused by Contact with corrosive chemicals such as acids, alkalis or cleaners. It causes pain, redness, blisters, tissue necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems. and can spread into the depth. Every burn is an emergency because of progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. tissue damage.
Skin burns in dogs and cats are chemically induced tissue damage caused by Contact with corrosive substances. These injuries are fundamentally different from thermal or mechanical skin damage and require specific treatment. Chemical burns can be divided into two main categories depending on the causative substance: acid burns and alkali burns.
In the case of acid burns, so-called coagulationCoagulation is the process of blood coagulation, in which liquid blood is transformed into a solid clot. This process is crucial for stopping Bleeding and promoting wound healing. necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems. occurs, in which the tissue is hardened by proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions. denaturationDenaturation refers to the process in which proteins or nucleic acids lose their natural structure due to external influences such as heat, chemicals, or pH changes, often leading to a loss of function., which limits the further PenetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. of the acid into the deeper tissue. Alkali burns, on the other hand, lead to liquefaction necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems., a liquefaction of the tissue that allows a deeper PenetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. of the substance and thus often causes more serious damage. The severity of a burn is determined by the pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. of the substance, the concentration, the duration of Contact and the affected area of the body.
Especially in pets, it should be noted that they often react differently to burns than humans due to their fur and their behavior (licking). The fur can provide a certain protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. on the one hand, but on the other hand it can also make it more difficult to recognize and treat burns.
Causes
Externally visible burns can be caused by many different substances such as alkalis and acids, drain cleaners, thinners, gasoline, etc. The cause is not always really known. If your animal has ingested the substances (licking), contact your veterinarian immediately. If possible, take the container with you or at least note the contents of the label.
Burns in pets can be caused by numerous substances that are often found in the immediate environment of the animals. The most common causes include:
Household chemicals pose a particular hazard, including cleaning agents such as drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, oven cleaners and descalers. These often contain highly concentrated acids or alkalis. Battery acid from leaking batteries or rechargeable batteries can also cause severe burns if animals gnaw on them or come into contact with them.
Outdoors, garden fertilizers, pesticidesPesticides are chemical or biological substances used to control pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi. In dogs and cats, exposure to certain pesticides can be harmful to health and lead to signs of poisoning. and pool chemicals such as chlorine are potential hazards. Building materials such as cement, lime or mortar can also lead to severe skin damage due to their strongly alkaline nature if animals walk over freshly treated surfaces or lick this material.
In garages and workshops, there are other sources of danger such as car batteries, coolants, rust removers or solvents such as thinners and gasoline. These can lead to burns if they come into direct skin Contact or by licking the fur after contaminationContamination refers to the pollution of surfaces, objects, water, food, or air with harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other hazardous substances..
Especially in cats that groom themselves regularly, there is a risk of secondary oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. ingestionIngestion refers to the intake of substances through the mouth and their delivery to the digestive tract. In dogs and cats, the ingestion of toxic substances, foreign objects, or incompatible foods can lead to health problems. of the corrosive substances, which can additionally lead to burns in the mouth and throat as well as systemic poisoning.
Symptoms
Skin burn in dogs and cats
Typical Symptoms:
- Redness of the skin, itching, weeping areas, pain
- Bloody skin areas or dissolved skin surface
- Hair loss, blistering, crusts
- Licking/restlessness, possibly chemical odor
Alarm signs:
- Large-scale lesions, severe pain
- NecrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems./whitish or blackish areas
- Systemic Symptoms: apathyApathy refers to a state of indifference and reduced interest or lack of emotional involvement in activities or events that would normally arouse interest., Fever, circulatory problems
- Contact with highly corrosive substances (alkali/acid)
Escalation/course:
- Tissue damage can continue to “burn” for hours and become deeper
- 24–72 h: NecrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems., secondary infections common
- ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. ulcers/granulation in severe burns
The Symptoms: of a burn can vary depending on the type of corrosive substance, concentration, exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. time and affected body region. The characteristic signs include:
Immediately after Contact, affected animals often show clear pain reactions, restlessness or try to lick or scratch the affected area. The skin typically shows redness, swelling and, in more severe cases, blistering. In advanced burns, bloody skin areas or a dissolved skin surface may be visible.
Acid burns often lead to brownish to black, leathery discoloration of the skin, while alkali burns tend to cause soft, jelly-like tissue changes with a whitish to grayish color. In animals with dense fur, these changes are often only fully recognizable after shearing the affected area.
Secondary Symptoms: can include fur loss, crust formation and, if the damaged skin areas become infected, also purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. secretion and increased itching. In the case of large-scale burns or if the animal has ingested the substance, systemic Symptoms: such as lethargy, Vomiting, DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems. or RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress may occur.
Especially in the case of burns in the face, on the paws or on the abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen., the impairment for the animal is often considerable, as these areas are particularly sensitive or can restrict normal movement.
First Aid
- The most important measure is to remove the corrosive substance.
- In the case of chemical burns, protect yourself and immediately rinse the affected area of your animal for at least 10 minutes under cool, preferably running water.
- Brush out dry substances beforehand. Protect yourself! Wear gloves or use a towel. Remove the collar or other utensils from the animal.
- Cover the burned area with a clean cloth or a light bandage.
- Do not put pressure on the wound, do not constrict it.
- Do not use materials that release fibers into the wound.
When should you see a vet sooner?
→ Red if a large area is affected, the face/eyes are involved, there is shortness of breath, or there are general symptoms.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of a burn is primarily based on the medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and the clinical examination. It is particularly important for the veterinarian to know which substance the animal has come into Contact with, when the Contact took place and how long the exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. time was. If possible, the packaging or a residue of the corrosive substance should be brought along for veterinary examination.
During the clinical examination, the extent of the burn is assessed first. This includes determining the affected body surface area and the depth of tissue damage. In animals with dense fur, it is often necessary to carefully shear the affected area in order to be able to recognize the full extent of the damage.
In some cases, measuring the pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. on the skin surface using special test strips can be helpful in distinguishing between acid and alkali burns and initiating appropriate treatment. If systemic effects are suspected, blood tests are also carried out to detect organ damage, electrolyte shifts or acid-base balanceThe acid-base balance refers to the equilibrium between acids and bases in the body, which is important for maintaining the physiological pH in the blood and other bodily fluids. Imbalances can lead to serious health problems. disorders.
In the case of severe burns, a BiopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. of the damaged skin may be necessary to determine the depth of tissue damage more precisely and to be able to better assess the healing process. Imaging techniques such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. or CT scans are used if there is a suspicion of deeper tissue damage or involvement of underlying structures.
Further veterinary measures
The treatment of burns in dogs and cats requires a rapid and systematic approach. The initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. care should ideally be carried out by the pet owner by immediately rinsing the corrosive substance from the skin with plenty of lukewarm water. It is important to protect yourself, for example by wearing gloves.
In veterinary practice, thorough cleaning and decontaminationDecontamination refers to the removal of toxic substances or pathogens from a living being, object, or environment to prevent or treat poisoning or infection. is carried out first. In the case of dry substances, these are carefully brushed off before the affected area is rinsed thoroughly. Depending on the type of burn, specific neutralization solutions can be used, but these must be used with caution, as the neutralization reaction itself can be exothermic and cause additional damage.
Further treatment includes adequate pain therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. with analgesicAn analgesic is a medication used to relieve Pain without affecting the patient's level of consciousness. therapy and, if necessary, antibiotic coverage to avoid secondary infections. In the case of superficial burns, modern wound dressings such as hydrogels or hydrocolloids are used, which create a moist wound environment and promote wound healingWound healing is the natural process of repairing tissue damage, occurring in phases including inflammation, tissue regeneration, and wound contraction, to restore tissue integrity..
Severe chemical burns with deeper tissue damage may necessitate surgical interventions such as debridement of necrotic tissue or, in advanced cases, even skin grafts. For extensive chemical burns, hospitalization with intensive monitoring and fluid therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. is often necessary.
In addition to local wound treatment, it is particularly important for animals to prevent licking or gnawing of the wound, which can be achieved with neck collars, bodysuits or special bandages.
Prognosis and aftercare
The prognosis for burns depends largely on the type of corrosive substance, the extent of the damage and the speed of initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. care. Superficial burns usually have a good prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. with adequate treatment and often heal without permanent damage. In the case of deeper burns, especially from alkalis, healing can take several weeks and be accompanied by Scar tissue formation.
Aftercare plays a crucial role in the healing process. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the healing progress and, if necessary, adjust the treatment. The dressing is changed every one to three days, depending on the condition of the wound and the wound dressings used, paying attention to signs of infections or delayed wound healingWound healing is the natural process of repairing tissue damage, occurring in phases including inflammation, tissue regeneration, and wound contraction, to restore tissue integrity..
Especially in the case of burns in the face or on the paws, functionality can be impaired, which may require physiotherapeutic support to prevent movement restrictions. In the case of extensive Scar tissue formation, special massage techniques or silicone pads can help to minimize Scar tissue formation.
In the long term, severe burns can lead to pigment changes, permanent fur loss or limited elasticity of the skin. In areas with strong Scar tissue formation, there is also an increased risk of renewed injuries, as the skin is less resilient there.
Summary
Skin burns in dogs and cats are a medical emergency that requires rapid action. They are caused by Contact with corrosive substances such as acids or alkalis, which are contained in many household, garden and car care products. The Symptoms: range from redness and swelling to severe tissue damage with blistering and necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems..
InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. care includes immediately rinsing the affected area with plenty of water to dilute and remove the corrosive substance. Veterinary treatment includes thorough cleaning, pain therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. prophylaxisProphylaxis refers to preventive measures taken to avoid diseases or health problems. In veterinary medicine, this can include vaccinations, regular deworming, and other preventive treatments. and, depending on the severity, various wound treatment techniques up to surgical interventions.
The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the extent of the damage and the speed of initial care. Careful aftercare is crucial for a complication-free healing process. Preventive measures such as the safe storage of household chemicals and the use of animal-friendly alternatives can significantly reduce the risk of burns.
For pet owners, it is important to know potential sources of danger in the household and to react quickly and correctly in an emergency. Early veterinary care can limit the extent of the damage and improve the chances of healing.
Outlook on current research
Research in the field of burn treatment in small animals is constantly evolving. Current studies focus on innovative wound dressings with bioactive components that can accelerate the healing process and reduce Scar tissue formation. Materials with antimicrobialAn antimicrobial substance is an agent that serves to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, or to kill them. Antimicrobials are frequently used to treat infections. properties that simultaneously create an optimal wound environment are particularly promising.
Another research focus is on the development of improved diagnostic methods to be able to determine the extent of tissue damage more precisely. New imaging techniques such as confocal laser microscopy enable a non-invasive assessment of tissue damage in different skin layers and could optimize therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. planning in the future.
In the field of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies are being researched that have the potential to regenerate damaged tissue and form functional scars. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. studies show promising results in the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue for the treatment of severe skin damage.
The development of specific antidotes for common corrosive substances is also the subject of current research. In the future, these could improve initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. care and limit the extent of tissue damage by neutralizing the corrosive substances without causing further damage themselves.
The increasing digitization in veterinary medicine is leading to the development of apps and online resources that can help pet owners to recognize emergency situations such as burns more quickly and act correctly, which could improve the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for affected animals.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between an acid and an alkali burn in pets?
Acid burns cause coagulationCoagulation is the process of blood coagulation, in which liquid blood is transformed into a solid clot. This process is crucial for stopping Bleeding and promoting wound healing. necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems. with hardened tissue and thus often limit their own penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. depth. Alkali burns lead to liquefaction necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems. with liquefaction of the tissue, penetrate deeper and usually cause more severe damage. - How long should I rinse the affected area of my animal if it has come into contact with a corrosive substance?
The affected area should be rinsed continuously with lukewarm water for at least 15–20 minutes to dilute and remove the corrosive substance. - Can I use self-neutralizing substances for a burn?
The independent use of neutralizing substances is not recommended, as the neutralization reaction can release heat and cause additional damage. Rinsing with plenty of water is the safest initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. measure. - Which pets are particularly at risk for burns?
Cats are particularly at risk due to their pronounced grooming behavior, as they can lick corrosive substances on their fur and thus also absorb them orally. Young, curious animals of both species also have an increased risk. - How do I recognize whether a burn is deep or superficial in my animal?
The exact assessment of the burn depth should be carried out by a veterinarian. Signs of deeper burns can be whitish to grayish discoloration, a lack of pain sensitivity in the affected region or visible deeper tissue layers. - How long does it take for a burn to heal in dogs and cats?
The healing time varies depending on the severity. Superficial burns can heal within 1–2 weeks, while deeper burns can take several weeks to months to heal completely. - Which household products are particularly dangerous for pets with regard to burns?
Particularly dangerous are concentrated cleaning agents such as drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, descalers, oven cleaners, battery acid, pool chemicals and alkaline building materials such as cement or lime. - Can a burn have long-term consequences for my animal?
Yes, severe burns can lead to permanent fur loss, pigment changes, Scar tissue formation and limited skin elasticity. In particularly sensitive areas such as the face or paws, functional restrictions can also remain. - How can I prevent burns in my pets?
Store corrosive substances in closed cabinets that are inaccessible to animals. If possible, use animal-friendly alternatives to aggressive cleaning agents. Make sure that animals do not have access to freshly cleaned or treated surfaces until they are completely dry. - When is surgery necessary for a burn?
A surgery may be necessary for deep or large-scale burns if necrotic tissue has to be removed (debridement) or if the wound cannot be closed by conservative measures and skin transplants are necessary.
Literature
- Noli, C. Scarampella, F.: Practical dermatology in dogs and cats. Schlütersche Verlag, 2013
- Ziegenfuß, T.: Emergency medicine. Springer, Heidelberg 2011
- Löwe, G. and Löwe, O. (2021). Emergencies in dogs and cats – A veterinary Guide. Kynos-Verlag. 208 pp.
- Davidson JR. Current concepts in wound management and wound healing products. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2021;51(3):641-663.
- Schmid M, Reichert-Penetrat S, Kanitakis J. Chemical burns: pathophysiology and treatment. Burns. 2018;44(7):1663-1674.