Case Presentation by:   Mike Laffins, Mark Justice and Justin Ritthaler

Patient Profile:  "Abercrombie", a 14-year old, castrated male Labrador Retriever.

History: "Abercrombie" presented to the emergency service on 6/17/98.  He had been burned 10 days ago and was being treated by the RDVM but his pain was not being controlled.  The owners did not know the cause of the burns--the dog returned home this way.  He had burns over the caudal aspects of both rear legs, over the lumbosacral area and caudal tail head region, in the inguinal area including the prepuce, and the palmar aspect of the left front foot. 

Physical Examination:  Heart rate = 75/minute.  Pulse rate = 75/minute.  Respiratory rate = panting.  Body weight = 35.7 kg.  "Abercrombie" could not walk and was extremely agitated and in pain.  His capillary refill time was normal but he was about 7% dehydrated.  Chest and heart ausculted normally.  Abdomen could not be palpated because of the pain.

Laboratory Findings:  CBC showed a normal white cell count but a left shift was present (bands = 1700/uL).  RBC = 5,310,000/uL.  PCV = 34%.   Calcium = 8.9 mg/dL.  Total protein = 4.8 gm/dL.  Albumin = 2.3 gm/dL.   AST = 45 IU/L.

Questions:   

• What physiological effects do burn wounds have on the different organ systems of the body?
• How would you treat the hypovolemic shock?
• How would you manage the wounds?
• How would you manage the pain?
• What complications do you need to watch for and how would you treat them?

Answers and Discussion:

Return to Introduction:

Copyright Wayne E. Wingfield, DVM, and Brenda McClelland, DVM, Colorado State University, 2000. All rights reserved.
This page was last edited:  04/11/00