Diagnosis of Chemical Burns in Dogs
If you think your dog has a chemical burn, whether it is inhaled, ingested, or on the skin, you need to take your dog to see a veterinary professional. Some burns do not look bad, but may be doing more damage than you think and can affect the inner layers of the tissue and even cause damage to your pet’s vital organs. The veterinarian will first do a comprehensive physical examination, which includes skin and coat condition, body temperature, weight and height, reflexes, pupil reaction time, heart rate, blood pressure, breath sounds, and respiration rate. An electrocardiogram (EKG) will be done to check the electrical function of the heart.
Also, the veterinarian will use an endoscope (lighted hollow tube) to look at the throat, esophagus, and upper airway, checking for inflammation and erosion. Small tools can be inserted through the endoscope to remove dead skin and apply medication, if necessary. Some laboratory tests that are needed include a blood urea nitrogen (BUN), packed cell volume (PCV), complete blood count (CBC), serum chemical analysis, kidney and liver enzyme levels, and urinalysis. The veterinarian will also need to use x-rays (radiographs), an ultrasound, CT scans, and maybe an MRI to see how deep the damage goes.
Treatment of Chemical Burns in Dogs
Treatment for chemical burns depends on the extent of the burns, the chemical agent that caused the burns, and your dog’s health. The typical treatment for chemical burns includes detoxification, fluid and oxygen therapy, medications for pain relief and infection, and possibly hospitalization for observation.
Detoxification
This step includes rinsing the area that has the burns and removing any dead skin that is involved. Your pet will usually be sedated for this because it may be very painful. If the burns are from an acid, baking soda and water will be used. If the cause was an alkali, vinegar and water will be used.
Therapy
Your dog will be given intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and oxygen to help with breathing.
Medication
Antibiotics are needed to prevent infection, pain medications (intravenous and topical) will be used to ease the pain, and corticosteroids for inflammation.
Hospitalization
If the veterinarian feels it is necessary, your dog will stay overnight for observation and continued fluids. This is only required for severe burns.
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Pet Wellbeings own Dr. Jan has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years. Since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, shes founded two veterinary clinics and lectured extensively on pet herbal therapy, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, rehabilitation and pain management. Dr. Jan has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities, helping us to formulate all of our supplements. She is an essential part of Pet Wellbeing. And lucky for us, shes only one of the great team of people who make Pet Wellbeing so special. PREVIOUS POST