Management of burn injuries in the horse

Extensive thermal injuries in horses can be difficult to manage. The large surface of the burn dramatically increases the potential for loss of fluids,electrolytes, and calories. Burns are classified by the depth of injury: first-degree burns involve only the most superficial layers of the epidermis;second-degree burns involve the entire epidermis and can be superficial or deep; third-degree burns are characterized by loss of the epidermal and dermal components; and fourth-degree burns involve all the skin and underlying muscle, bone, and ligaments. Burns cause local and systemic effects. Routine use of systemic antibiotics is not recommended in burn patients. Topical medications should be water based, be easily applied and removed, not interfere with wound healing, and be readily excreted or metabolized. Weight loss of 10% to 15% during the course of illness is indicative of inadequate nutritional intake. Gradually increasing the grain,adding fat in the form of vegetable oil, and offering free-choice alfalfa hay increase caloric intake.