Intas Polivet (2011) Vol.
12 (I): 185-186 Short Communication
Second Degree Burns and its Management
in a Cow
K. Mohd Arif Basha and B.R. Naveen
Veterinary Dispensary
Kantebennur
Taluk Huvinahadagali
District Bellary 583216 (Karnataka)
ABSTRACT
A cow met with accidental fire burn injury leading to second degree burns on about 1/3rd of the body. The animal
was treated for shock, hypovolemia and prevention of secondary bacterial infection in addition to wound
management. Care to prevent self mutilation, clean housing, meeting nutritional requirements was also done and
animal recovered uneventfully.
KEYWORDS: Accident; cow; emergency; second degree burns; treatment.
Introduction
Downloaded From IP - 117.241.243.56 on dated 2-Feb-2012
Burns are classified as first degree, superficial
and deep second degree, third degree and
fourth degree depending upon the depth of
Members Copy, Not for Commercial Sale
thermal injury. Most severe burns will produce a
www.IndianJournals.com
local and a systemic response. The systemic
response is mainly characterized by hypo-
volemia, fluid and electrolyte loss, protein loss,
pulmonary edema, increased caloric require-
ments and depressed immune responses. The
local response is one of inflammation vasospasm
fluid accumulation and electrolyte shifts
depending upon the extent of the thermal injury
(Geiser and Walker, 1984).
History
A non descript cow aged about 5 years which
had calved three months back met with an
accidental fire burn injury all over the body. On
examination about 1/3rd of the body was burnt
involving entire epidermis with reddish bloody
blisters. Lesions were more pronounced on right
side especially on thighs, neck, back, face and
abdominal region (Fig.1 and 2). Animal was
severely dehydrated and was in a state of shock.
Treatment
Animal was immediately infused with intravenous
infusion of fluids with RL and 25% dextrose
solution 2 litres each and Inj. Dexamethasone
5ml was administered intravenously. Egg
albumin was applied on the burn wound surface.
Anti-histamines were administered to control
local reactions and pruritic symptoms and
Antibiotic Streptopenicillin 2.5g I/m bid was
185
administered for 7 days to control secondary
bacterial infection. Aloe vera gel and later Neem
oil were also applied on the skin surface from
second day up to recovery. Patient was housed
in clean environment and was continuously
monitored for any self mutilation and other
complications. Free choice hay, additional grain
with vegetable oil was fed to meet caloric
requirement and to avoid debility. The cow was
evaluated for wound healing at weekly interval
(Fig. 3-10). Animal was followed up to 40 days
post trauma and recovered uneventfully.
Discussion
The treatment adopted should be multi-
dimensional. These include restoration of fluid
and electrolyte loss, protection against
mechanical injury, prevention of bacterial
invasion and infection, maintenance of body
temperature and removal of non-viable tissue
while leaving viable germinal tissue for healing
(Geiser and Walker, 1984). The main aim of
managing burn injury is to control hypovolemia
and to obtain maximal tissue perfusion and
oxygen delivery to the burned tissues, as well as
to healthy organs. Adequate volume replacement
improves delivery of oxygen. Excessive heat
during burn injury results in denaturation of
cellular proteins and coagulation of blood
vessels. Failure to resuscitate burned patient in
early after injury results in continued
hypoperfusion and tissue hypoxia which fosters
progression of inflammatory cascade and
ultimately multiple organ failure and death (Pope,
 Second Degree Burns in Cow
Fig. 1 and 2: Cow with second degree deep burns on the day of presentation
Downloaded From IP - 117.241.243.56 on dated 2-Feb-2012
Fig. 4: 14th Day
Members Copy, Not for Commercial Sale
www.IndianJournals.com
Fig. 7-8: 28th Day
Fig.10: 35th Day
1993). Early and efficient management of
severely burned patients facilitates outcome
improvement. Mechanical ventilation is indicated
in case of either a deep extensive burn over 60%
of total body surface area. Early surgical
treatment such as escharotomies, excision and
grafting, which cause significant pain as well as
blood loss and hydrotherapy, often require
general anaesthesia. Burn injury can modify the
volume of distribution and the pharmacokinetics
of anaesthetic agents (Gueugniaud,1997). Aloe
vera gel has good antithromboxane and
antiprostaglandin properties. It is reported to relive
186
Fig. 3: 7th Day
Fig. 5-6: 21st Day
Fig. 9: 35th Day
pain, decrease inflammation, stimulate cell
growth and kill bacteria and fungi. Aloe vera and
Silver sulphadiazine are good first choices in
antibiotic therapy for burns and are used
extensively in human medicine (Hanson, 2005).
In case of burn injuries care must be taken to
prevent further damage to the deeper tissues.
Application of egg albumin on the burn wound
will cool down the skin and is helpful for this.
References
Geiser, D.R. and Walker, R.D. (1984). Management
of thermal injuries in large animals. Vet. Clin. North
Am. Large. Anim. Prac. 6:91-105.
Gueugniaud (1997). Management of severe burns
during 1st 72 hours. Ann. Fr. Anes. Reanim. 16:354-59.
Hanson, R.R. (2005). Management of burn injuries in
the horse. Vet. Clin. Equine 21:105-23.
Pope, E.R. (1993). In: Text book of Small Animal
Surgery. Slatter D.H., 2nd Edn., Saunders, Philadelphia,
p. 359.