First Report on Medical Treatment and Outcome of Burnt Cattle

SIMPLE SUMMARY: After a barn fire, the priority is to identify which animals are to be humanely killed for medical and/or ethical reasons. The decision to kill or treat cattle depends on the severity of the injuries but also the owner’s resources. On-farm treatment is possible, but it must be kept in mind that daily wound management and frequent monitoring need significant time and labor. Mild burns are unlikely to be fatal; however, it can take several days for the burns to appear in their full extent, leaving the prognosis uncertain. Clinical evidence regarding the specific management of bovine burn patients is lacking. This paper describes the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of two burnt Holstein heifers. Daily wound care required cleaning and the application of topical antibacterial agents. One heifer healed completely and was discharged after 7 months; the other one, after initial improvement, worsened due to the late onset of complications and was humanely euthanized. This proves that the treatment of burnt cattle is possible but challenging. More data on the success rate of medical therapy are urgently needed in order to confirm or refute whether this is an advisable option. ABSTRACT: The management of livestock affected by fire often comes down to two options: euthanasia or slaughtering. However, the therapeutic approach can be attempted for high-value cattle. The aim of a primary assessment is to identify signs of smoke inhalation injuries, cardiovascular impairment and shock and to determine the severity and extent of burn injuries. Full-thickness burns covering 40% or more of the body are highly unfavorable prognostic factors and are usually fatal. Moreover, it can take several days for the burns to appear in their full extent, leaving the prognosis uncertain. In this case report, the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of two burnt Holstein heifers are described. Daily wound care required cleaning, the removal of eschars and the application of topical antibacterial agents for seven months in order to discharge one heifer. The topical use of honey with a solution of povidone–iodine proved to be affordable and successful, with no residue risks. The other heifer was more severely wounded, and despite the administration of fluid therapy, pain management, anti-oxidants and anti-microbials, after initial stabilization, the animal’s condition worsened, leading to euthanasia. This confirms that the treatment of burnt cattle is possible but challenging due to the late onset of multi-organ failure.