Burns & Scalds

Question 1

What is a burn or scald?

Answer 1

The destruction of tissue by extreme localised heat (moist or dry).

Question 2

What is the main cause for burns?

Answer 2

Most burns seen are iatrogenic (I.e., caused by veterinary intervention - heat pads).

Question 3

What are the types of burns?

Answer 3

Dry = contact with hot surface/objects.

Scald = hot liquid, steam.

Excessive cold = frost bite, cold objects.

Chemical = acids, petroleum, paint stripper.

Electric currents = chewing through wire.

Radiation = sun.

Question 4

What is a scald mainly caused by?

Answer 4

Moist heat - i.e., boiling water.

Question 5

What are the clinical signs of burns/scalds?

Answer 5

Redness & heat - dilated blood vessels & inflammation.
Swelling - moist tissue fluid escaping from capillaries.
Pain
Shock
Loss of fur
Skin changes
Local infection

Question 6

What is a superficial burn?

Answer 6

Burn that only affects outer layer of the skin.

Question 7

What is a partial thickness burn?

Answer 7

Burn that affects slightly deeper layers, blistering is common.

Question 8

What is a full thickness burn?

Answer 8

Burn affecting all layers of the skin.

Question 9

What should you do before treating electrical burns on a patient?

Answer 9

Ensure electrical source is turned off before approaching patient.

Question 10

What can hyperthermic burns be caused by?

Answer 10

Hot water (scald).
Contact with hot surfaces.
Exposure to burning materials.
Electrical heating pads.

Question 11

What are the symptoms of smoke inhalation?

Answer 11

Smoky odour
Soot in nasal or throat passages
Rapid breathing & increased depth of respiration
Upper airway obstruction by swelling
MM may be cherry red, pale or cyanotic
Vomiting
Shock
Reddened eyes