Fishy Treatment for Canine Burn Victims
Dogs might become burn victims when exposed to caustic liquids, electricity, extreme heat, or fire. Similar to humans, the injury might be rated as being first, second or third-degree burns. Also like humans, serious burns require prompt medical intervention to prevent infection and promote healing. Recently, veterinarians implemented the use of Tilapia fish skin in the treatment of severe canine burns.
On November 8, 2018, a campfire blazed out of control and destroyed more than 138,000 acres in Northern California. Approximately 63 people became fatalities. Hundreds of animals suffered burns while trying to escape. More than 200 dogs were brought to the VCA Valley Oak Veterinary Center for assessment and treatment.
Dr. Jamie Peyton, Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service through the University of California used specially prepared tilapia skin to treat dogs suffering from second and third-degree burns. She previously used the technique to treat burned bears and a mountain lion after the Thomas Fire in 2017.
In past years, animals suffering from severe burns had little chance of survival. They often encountered months of misery during treatment. Wounds were cleaned and bandaged to prevent infection. However, bandages needed routine changing, which often caused new tissue removal when removing dressings. The painful treatment required anesthesia. Recovery could take months or longer.
Dr. Peyton explains that tilapia skin serves as a substitute for the dog’s natural skin. The medium contains high levels of type-1 collagen protein and antioxidants that make it sustainable and infection resistant. Plus, the skin is relatively inexpensive to acquire.
Before using tilapia during the treatment procedure, the skin undergoes sterilization and prepped until it becomes thick and rubbery. The process commonly takes days before completion. Strips of the skin are sutured to the area in various thicknesses depending on the size and depth of the injury. To keep the skin in place, topical bandages may also be applied. Otherwise, the skin naturally adheres to the wound and falls off, unlike a scab. The treatment encourages normal skin growth within a week.
In the event that a dog suffers a burn , the pet parent should immediately apply cool water if the skin is intact and apply a non-stick dressing. For more severe injuries, apply a clean, non-stick bandage, treat for signs of shock, and take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Originally published at https://johnbrewerlaw.org.
