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292 Electrocution

of patient for gas exchange) to achieve greater Client Education SUGGESTED READING
muscle relaxation to facilitate reduction • Bandage/splint care Griffon DJ: Surgical diseases of the elbow. In Tobias
VetBooks.ir Technician Tips • Passive range-of-motion physiotherapy after AUTHOR: Mary E. Somerville, DVM, DACVS
• Controlled activity (kennel/leash)
maneuvers
KM, et al, editors: Veterinary surgery small animal.
St. Louis, 2012, Elsevier, pp 725-732.
removal
Patients should be checked weekly to detect
secondary wounds that may result from • Neuter dogs with congenital luxations EDITOR: Kathleen Linn, DVM, MS, DACVS
because of potential heritability.
bandage/splint contact.

Electrocution Bonus Material
Online

BASIC INFORMATION • Cardiac problems: arrhythmias (ventricular DIAGNOSIS
fibrillation), asystole
Definition • Neurologic abnormalities: loss of conscious- Diagnostic Overview
The passage of electricity through tissue, result- ness, focal muscle tremors, seizures If unwitnessed, the diagnosis is suspected in a
ing in electrophysiologic disruption of the tissue young pet with characteristic oral burns and
Etiology and Pathophysiology dyspnea. Thoracic radiographs classically show
Epidemiology • Electricity (usually 60 Hz of alternating noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (interstitial/
SPECIES, AGE, SEX current and 120 volts in most households alveolar pattern with a caudodorsal distribution
Most common in young cats and dogs (5 weeks in North and much of South America; in [p. 836]).
to 1.5 years of age), with no sex predisposition most of the rest of the world, it is usually
50-60 Hz alternating current and 220 volts) Differential Diagnosis
RISK FACTORS disrupts the electrophysiologic activity of Chemical or thermal burns, exposure to fire,
Young age and environmental access tissue, causing muscle spasms, ventricular smoke inhalation, other causes of respiratory
arrhythmias, and vasomotor changes in the distress
GEOGRAPHY AND SEASONALITY central nervous system, resulting in acute
Seasonal associations: Christmas holidays pulmonary edema. The electrical energy is Initial Database
(decorative holiday lights); possibly late spring also transformed into heat, which can cause Initial database requirements depend on
to early autumn, when owners are more likely coagulation of tissue proteins. Sudden death the severity of injury. In some cases, if the
to operate corded electrical devices (e.g., fans) may result from these processes. animal has no physical exam abnormalities, no
• Electrocution is almost always accidental, testing is required. In other cases, if the pet is
ASSOCIATED DISORDERS typically from a young pet chewing on an dyspneic or pulmonary crackles are ausculted,
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, cardiac electrical cord. chest radiographs are warranted. For severely
arrhythmias, oral burns, and seizures affected animals, CBC, serum biochemistry
profile, coagulation profile, and urinalysis are
Clinical Presentation warranted.
DISEASE FORMS/SUBTYPES
• High-voltage injury versus low-voltage injury, Advanced or Confirmatory Testing
based on the nature and intensity of the Pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis
current. The most severe injuries are caused may be useful to document hypoxemia.
by high-current, high-voltage discharge and However, in young or small animals, the
result in a worse clinical outcome. stress of arterial blood sample collection
• Electrical sources can produce energy levels should be weighed against the potential
that range from relatively low (e.g., 9-volt benefits.
battery) to intermediate (e.g., household
outlets) to very high (e.g., electrical metal TREATMENT
utility cover). Household current is the most
common exposure. Treatment Overview
Treatment mainly consists of supportive care,
HISTORY, CHIEF COMPLAINT but the degree of intervention depends on
Sometimes witnessed; other times the owner severity. Burns should be cleaned; if severe,
reports sudden onset of dyspnea, collapse, or surgical debridement is indicated after the
dysphagia. Owner finds chewed wires/bite patient is stable. Noncardiogenic pulmonary
marks on electrical cords. edema is treated with supplemental oxygen
administration. If severe or if pharyngeal
PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS edema is present, intubation and mechanical
• Oral burns to the tongue, palate, and com- ELECTROCUTION Electrical cord injury in a York- ventilation may be necessary.
shire terrier puppy. Note the extensive, circumscribed
missures of the lips; ptyalism sloughing of the tongue (oval) and linear necrotic
• Respiratory problems: dyspnea (harsh lung lesion of the lateral canthus of the lips (arrows). Acute General Treatment
sounds, upper airway edema), cyanosis, (Courtesy Dr. Gareth Buckley, University of Florida Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is treated
coughing Veterinary Teaching Hospital.) with rest and supplemental oxygen (pp. 836

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