Carly Hans

ISM 7th

Burns and Scalds in Dogs. PetMD, PetMD,

www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/accidents-injuries/e_dg_burns_and_scalding#.

Typically caused from chemicals, heat, and electricity

First step, find cause of the burn
First degree = pain, but skin intact
Second degree = partially burned through skin
Third degree = completely burned through skin
Shock can occur
No ointment, creams, or butters
Cool down burn ASAP, It speeds the process
Apply clean and dry dressing to burn
No soft tissues like cotton
Take to veterinarian if it's more than a first degree burn
First degree burn for hot liquids and electrical burns
Cool off with cold stream of water
Apply ice to burned area
Contact vet for a check up afterward
First degree burn for chemicals
Place a cold stream of water on area for twenty minutes to flush chemicals
Wash with mild shampoo or detergent
For acid burns=baking soda
Take off all collars and clothes
Wear gloves

This article is very informative and useful for pet owners to know incase an emergency were to
happen involving a burn on their pet.
 Carly Hans
ISM 7th

Ward, Ernest. Care of Open Wounds in Dogs. vca_corporate, VCA Animal Hospitals , 12

Dec.

2008, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/care-of-open-wounds-in-dogs.

Causes for open wounds can be from punctures, lacerations, and abrasions
Abscesses can occur in wound and would need to be cleaned under anesthesia
Abscesses need to be open to allow drainage off puss
"Wherever possible a wound will be closed and sutured in order to speed healing."
Remove all crust surrounding the wound
Avoid all cases of the animal biting or licking the wound
Do not let skin grow over too fast
In order to do that ^ gently rub wound too open it up a little
Clean all wounds with saline
With veterinary approval, clean wound with iodine solution or surgical scrub
Do not use shampoos, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or soaps because it can dry out the
skin or it can be toxic when ingested by the animal.
Antibiotics or an antibiotic cream is commonly used for wounds
These decreased the risk for infection and promotes healing
Do not use an antibiotic cream made for humans because in most cases it is toxic to
animals when ingested
Likcing of the wound will make it heal slower or reverse the healing it has done
A dog's saliva is NOT antiseptic
Dogs should wear e-collars to prevent licking and biting of the wound
Other methods include, animal clothes, bandaging, or a stockinette
Prescribe anti-inflammatories as pain medicine
Bloody green or yellow discharge is not good
Clear fluid or pus is okay
If wound closes too soon, there is a high risk of infection
If wound closes too soon then scar tissue is placed weakly
If wound closes too soon an infection can occur and cause it to stay under the skin where
treatment is difficult and can spread to other parts of the body.
Scar tissue is already weak on its own, but making sure it heals properly in the correct
form and place is VERY important to insure the wound does not occur again.

This article's main purpose was to inform the reader how open wounds can occur, how to treat
them the best way possible, explain why certain things are done one way, how the healing
process occurs and how the recovery process is done.

Degner, Daniel A. Skin Grafts in Dogs and Cats. Veterinary Surgery Central ,
 Carly Hans
ISM 7th

www.vetsurgerycentral.com/skin_grafts.htm.

Skin graft is a piece of skin, can be big or small, that is placed over some type of
wound to help promote healing.
Blood vessels grow into the skin graft which is what gets the body to start to
produce more live skin.
If the blood vessels do not grow at the right rate, then the graft dies
Surgeons have to prepare the skin graft a certain way to make the skin graft more
susceptible to the growing blood vessels.
Skin grafts are most commonly used for wounds caused by tumors and several
types of burns.
Skin grafts typically die if they are placed over bones or tendons (and ligaments),
the patient has had radiation, if the wound has an infection, if the placement of the
graft is a place with a lot of movement, and if the blood vessels are weak.
Full thickness skin grafts are common in veterinary medicine.
3 phases of healing
Imbibition- blood vessels soak up fluid that contains oxygen and nutrients
for two days after surgery.
Inosculation- the blood vessels meet up with the vessels of the graft which
allows the blood to circulate throughout the skin graft.
Revascularization- this takes place four to seven days after surgery. The
blood vessels grow together and become attached, allowing a strong blood
flow through the graft.
Typically want to place a skin graft on pink red healing skin, muscle, or the fascia
for it to take well
If the surface area where the graft needs to be placed is not very good, then the
surgeon gives the skin some time to heal on its own to create the ideal surface
The fat is cut off of the graft the day of the surgery
Small holes are made in the skin graft so fluids may secrete through the skin
Graft is stapled or sutured into the skin
Wound is wrapped so the skin graft does not get ruined
Requires a splint to be around the wound to prevent stretching of the graft so it
does not get ruined
Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infections
Takes 7 days for the graft to heal
Little activity may take place for up to 3 weeks after surgery
Bandage must stay dry
Check areas around the bandage to be sure the circulation is not being cut

This article demonstrated everything someone would need to know about a skin graft such as,
how it works, how it recovers, how it can be unsuccessful, and where it came from.