rq Burn Injuries

Burns are uncommon in horses, with the majority resulting from bam fires. Thermal injuries may also result from contact with hot solutions; electrocution or lightning strike; friction as in rope bums, abrasions, and radiation therapy; and chemicals such as improperly employed topical drugs or maliciously applied caustic agents.'z2 Most burns are superficial, easily managed, inexpensive to treat, and heal in a short time. Serious bums, however, can result in rapid, severe burn shock or hypovolemia with associated cardiovascular changes. Smoke inhalation and corneal ulceration are also of great ~oncem.',~ Management of severe and extensive bums is difficult, expensive, and time consuming. The large surface area of the bum dramatically increases the potential for loss of fluids, electrolytes, and calories. Bums covering up to 50% or more of the body are usually fatal, although the depth of the bum also influences mortality. Massive wound infection is almost impossible to prevent because of the difficulty of maintaining a sterile wound environment. Long-term care is required to prevent continued trauma, because burn wounds are often pruritic and self-mutilation is common. Burned horses are frequently disfigured, preventing them from returning to full function. Therefore, it is imperative that prior to treatment the patient be carefully examined, with particular attention paid to cardiovascular function, pulmonary status, ocular lesions, and the extent and severity of the bums. Cost of treatment and prognosis should be thoroughly discussed with the owner.'+ This chapter will review the classification and mechanism of burn injury. The pathophysiology of bum injury and pulmonary injury will be discussed as they relate to the physical exam findings and appropriate treatment for immediate disorders as well as long-term wound care. Complications and nutritional needs will also be addressed.