Successful management of pulmonary edema secondary to accidental electrocution in a young dog.

BACKGROUND: Human records describe pulmonary edema as a life-threatening complication of electric shock. Successful management requires prompt recognition and intensive care. However, in companion animals, electrocutions are rarely reported, even though domestic environments are full of electrical devices and there is always the possibility of accidental injury. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians to know more about this condition in order to achieve successful patient outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented with a history of transient loss of consciousness after chewing on a household electrical cord. On admission, the puppy showed an orthopneic position with moderate respiratory distress. Supplemental oxygen via nasal catheter was provided, but the patient showed marked worsening of respiratory status. Point-of-care ultrasound exams suggested neurogenic pulmonary edema due to electrical shock close to the central nervous system and increased B-lines without evidence of cardiac abnormalities. Mechanical ventilation of the patient was initiated using volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 9 to 15 ml/kg until reaching an end-tidal carbon dioxide ≤ 40 mm Hg, followed by a stepwise lung-recruitment maneuver in pressure-controlled mode with increases of the peak inspiratory pressure (15 to 20 cm H2O) and positive end-expiratory pressure (3 to 10 cm H2O) for 30 min, and return to volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg until reaching a peripheral oxygen saturation ≥ 96%. Weaning from the ventilator was achieved in six hours, and the patient was discharged two days after admission without neurological or respiratory deficits. CONCLUSIONS: We present a rather unusual case of a neurogenic pulmonary edema subsequent to accidental electrocution in a dog. Timely diagnosis by ultrasound and mechanical ventilation settings are described. Our case highlights that pulmonary edema should be considered a potentially life-threatening complication of electrical shock in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.

Eletrocussão em Preguiça-real (Choloepus didactylus) - abordagem clínica e cirúrgica / Electrocution in a sloth (Choloepus didactylus) - clinical and surgical approach

Background: High voltage electric shock causes serious injury to the body, which can lead to a fatal condition. Sloths are commonly the target of this type of accident and factors such as the degree of tissue impairment and late medical care can contribute to the death of the animal or the indication of euthanasia. In this way, the present study aims to describe the treatment strategies in Choloepus didactylus victim of high voltage electrocution. Case: A female sloth weighing 6.15 kg was treated at the Wild Animals Sector of the Veterinary Hospital (HV-SAS) of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) victim of high voltage electric shock with burn on the right side face, stomatitis, glossitis, lesions extensive and bullous lesions in the thoracic and pelvic limbs, in addition to an open fracture in the radioulnar joint of the left limb with signs of necrosis. After patient stabilization (fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, pain control, cleaning and wound dressing), the patient was transfered to the impatient room. The main treatment strategies adopted were surgery, drug therapy, food and occupational therapy. The day after the patient's arrival, the amputation of the left thoracic limb was performed. On the third day of hospitalization, the right thoracic and pelvic limbs were also amputated, and on the tenth day, debridement of the right lateral face was performed. As for drug therapy, the following drugs were used postoperatively: ceftriaxone (40 mg/kg, BID, for 47 days), dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, BID, for 4 days), silymarin (15 mg/kg, BID, for 30 days), morphine (0.4 mg/kg, BID, for 14 days; 0.8 mg/kg, SID, for 22 days) and dressing wounds on the lateral face and surgical stumps with ointment of collagenase with chloramphenicol. In food management, the animal had good acceptance of a mixture of fruits, vegetables and animal protein in a pasty presentation. The treatment by occupational therapy included basic care such as exercising, sunbathing, and desensitizing the surgical stumps (massage therapy). In conclusion, after five months, the therapeutic protocol implemented resulted in the clinical improvement of the animal, as it allowed the complete healing of the lesions on the face and surgical stumps. In addition, the care taken with the surgical stumps allowed the animal to use them as support for its locomotion. Discussion: Amputation and debridement surgeries were effective in treating electrocuted patients and should be considered when tissue is compromised, which justifies the surgical protocol adopted in this study. They were based on reports in humans, since in wild animals, although many are victims of this type of trauma, little is known about the appropriate therapeutic approach for each species. Surgical interventions associated with the antibiotic ceftriaxone were efficient for controlling the infection, since this antibiotic has a broad spectrum of activity, being used mainly in skin and soft tissue and/or bone infections, which justified its use in that patient. As for nutritional therapy, supplementation with animal protein may have contributed to the clinical improvement of the animal, since they are excellent components for tissue recovery in patients who suffered losses from burns caused by electric shocks. Stump desensitization is indicated as a treatment for neuropathic pain in amputees, and in the present study, it was essential for the animal to use the limb for locomotion. The exercises in a grassy area associated with sunbathing added as a stimulus to the patient's movement.

Electrocutions in free-living black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) in anthropogenic environments in the Federal District and surrounding areas, Brazil.

Shrinking natural habitats exposes some non-human primates to the risk of accidents associated with electrical transmission lines. We examined dead marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) collected in the region from January 2015 to April 2018 to determine the animals' cause of death and for electrocuted animals we examined the locations the animals had died as well as the configuration of the power lines at these sites. We also recorded the sex of the animal, the body region affected, and characteristics of the injuries. We diagnosed electrocutions in 11% (n = 34) of the marmosets studied. Most of the affected animals were male (n = 22) with single or double sites of injury on the limbs. Animals were injured in urban (n = 26) and peri-urban (n = 8) areas on lower-voltage alternate current lines, and we detected no seasonality or hotspots of electrocution. Our findings suggest that movement along transmission lines composed of bundled conductors is a major factor in electrocutions of marmosets in the Federal District and surrounding areas. The planning of electrical power grid infrastructure should consider arboreal primates to prevent electrocutions.

Mortality of primates due to roads and power lines in two forest patches in Bangladesh

Primates are in imminent risk of extinction due to different types of anthropogenic activities. Mortality due to road accidents and electrocution from power lines are among the major direct anthropogenic threats to the survival of primates. We collected primate mortality data from 2015 to 2017 at Lawachara National Park and Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh. We recorded 27 fatalities in five species of primates caused by road accidents (n = 15) and electrocution (n = 12). Most mortality records were for Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) (n = 8) while the lowest recorded mortality was for Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) (n = 3). Ninety percent of primates in Bangladesh are threatened and populations are gradually declining. Our results suggest that roads and power supply lines are major sources of primate mortality that should be managed in these two forests. We strongly suggest avoiding construction of roads and power supply lines inside forests. Furthermore, control of the speed limit of vehicles inside the forests, use of insulated power lines, maintenance of natural canopy bridges and preparation of artificial canopy bridges are strongly recommended.(AU)

Mortality of primates due to roads and power lines in two forest patches in Bangladesh

Primates are in imminent risk of extinction due to different types of anthropogenic activities. Mortality due to road accidents and electrocution from power lines are among the major direct anthropogenic threats to the survival of primates. We collected primate mortality data from 2015 to 2017 at Lawachara National Park and Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh. We recorded 27 fatalities in five species of primates caused by road accidents (n = 15) and electrocution (n = 12). Most mortality records were for Trachypithecus phayrei (Blyth, 1847) (n = 8) while the lowest recorded mortality was for Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) (n = 3). Ninety percent of primates in Bangladesh are threatened and populations are gradually declining. Our results suggest that roads and power supply lines are major sources of primate mortality that should be managed in these two forests. We strongly suggest avoiding construction of roads and power supply lines inside forests. Furthermore, control of the speed limit of vehicles inside the forests, use of insulated power lines, maintenance of natural canopy bridges and preparation of artificial canopy bridges are strongly recommended.

Eletrocussão em preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus) / Electrocution in common sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

A preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus) é um mamífero de hábitos arborícolas que quando estão em solo se tornam altamente vulneráveis. Não é espécie ameaçada de extinção, mas sofre com ações antrópicas, entre elas acidentes como eletrocussão e atropelamento, que resultam ocasionalmente na perda de membros. O presente estudo trata-se do relato de caso de um macho de Bradypus variegatus recebido no Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres (HOVET/UFRA) após ter sofrido choque elétrico de alta tensão. No exame físico, foi observado a inviabilidade do membro torácico direito e optou-se pela amputação a altura da articulação escapuloumeral. No pós-cirúrgico foi utilizado antibiótico de amplo espectro, anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal associado com analgésico, limpeza e curativo com pomada cicatrizante. A recuperação durou quinze dias e o animal foi encaminhado para o Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. (AU)

Common sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a mammal with arboreal habits that when on soil becomes highly vulnerable. It is not threatened with extinction, but it suffers from anthropic actions, among them accidents with electrocution and trampling, which occasionally result in loss of limbs. The present study deals with the case report of a Bradypus variegatus male received at the Wild Animal Outpatient Clinic (HOVET/UFRA) after suffering high voltage electric shock. On physical examination, the infeasibility of the right thoracic limb and amputation opted for the height of the humeral scapula joint were observed. In the post-surgical period, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent associated with analgesic, cleaning and dressing with healing ointment were used. The recovery lasted fifteen days and the animal was sent to the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. (AU)

Eletrocussão em preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus) / Electrocution in common sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

A preguiça-comum (Bradypus variegatus) é um mamífero de hábitos arborícolas que quando estão em solo se tornam altamente vulneráveis. Não é espécie ameaçada de extinção, mas sofre com ações antrópicas, entre elas acidentes como eletrocussão e atropelamento, que resultam ocasionalmente na perda de membros. O presente estudo trata-se do relato de caso de um macho de Bradypus variegatus recebido no Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres (HOVET/UFRA) após ter sofrido choque elétrico de alta tensão. No exame físico, foi observado a inviabilidade do membro torácico direito e optou-se pela amputação a altura da articulação escapuloumeral. No pós-cirúrgico foi utilizado antibiótico de amplo espectro, anti-inflamatório não-esteroidal associado com analgésico, limpeza e curativo com pomada cicatrizante. A recuperação durou quinze dias e o animal foi encaminhado para o Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi.

Common sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a mammal with arboreal habits that when on soil becomes highly vulnerable. It is not threatened with extinction, but it suffers from anthropic actions, among them accidents with electrocution and trampling, which occasionally result in loss of limbs. The present study deals with the case report of a Bradypus variegatus male received at the Wild Animal Outpatient Clinic (HOVET/UFRA) after suffering high voltage electric shock. On physical examination, the infeasibility of the right thoracic limb and amputation opted for the height of the humeral scapula joint were observed. In the post-surgical period, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent associated with analgesic, cleaning and dressing with healing ointment were used. The recovery lasted fifteen days and the animal was sent to the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi.

Trauma elétrico em gato filhote: um relato de caso / Electric trauma in a juvenile cat: a case report / Traumatismo eléctrica en gatito joven: presentación de un caso

Un gato, SRD, con unos 60 días de vida se ha visto en la Clínica de pequenos animales Hospital Veterinario de la Universidad de Alfenas con la historia de descarga eléctrica después de haber mordido a un cable de alimentación de una computadora. En la exploración clínica, el animal tenía lesión ulcerada que implica el plano nasal y trufas y se extiende hasta los labios, la lengua y el paladar. El paciente recibió analgesia y recibió tratamiento tópico con papaína gel 5%. El tratamiento duró 130 días, el progreso de la curación fue satisfactorio, sin enfermedad respiratoria por lá exposición constante secundaria de la cavidad nasal.(AU)

A feline, with no breed, around 60 days of life and weighing 0,7kg was attended at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital at the University of Alfenas with history of electric shock after bite an electric wire three days before the consult. In the physical exam the animal presented a sore wound that inciuded the nasal plan and the nasal truffle, extending to the lips, tongue and palate. At the first consult the animal received analgesics and was chosen a treatment with homeopathy and Papain gel 5%. The treatment last for 130 days and the cicatricial progress was satisfactory. There was no respiratory disease or a decrease of the animal's welfare.(AU)

Uma gata, SRD, com cerca de 60 dias de vida foi atendida na Clínica de pequenos animais do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Alfenas com histórico de choque elétrico após ter mordido um fio de alimentação de um computador. Ao exame clínico o animal apresentava lesão ulcerada envolvendo o plano nasal e trufas e estendendo se aos lábios, língua e palato. O paciente recebeu analgesia e recebeu tratamento tópico com papaína. O tratamento durou 130 dias e o progresso cicatricial foi satisfatório, não havendo doença respiratória secundária a exposição constante da cavidade nasal.(AU)

Trauma elétrico em gato filhote: um relato de caso / Electric trauma in a juvenile cat: a case report / Traumatismo eléctrica en gatito joven: presentación de un caso

Un gato, SRD, con unos 60 días de vida se ha visto en la Clínica de pequenos animales Hospital Veterinario de la Universidad de Alfenas con la historia de descarga eléctrica después de haber mordido a un cable de alimentación de una computadora. En la exploración clínica, el animal tenía lesión ulcerada que implica el plano nasal y trufas y se extiende hasta los labios, la lengua y el paladar. El paciente recibió analgesia y recibió tratamiento tópico con papaína gel 5%. El tratamiento duró 130 días, el progreso de la curación fue satisfactorio, sin enfermedad respiratoria por lá exposición constante secundaria de la cavidad nasal.

A feline, with no breed, around 60 days of life and weighing 0,7kg was attended at the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Hospital at the University of Alfenas with history of electric shock after bite an electric wire three days before the consult. In the physical exam the animal presented a sore wound that inciuded the nasal plan and the nasal truffle, extending to the lips, tongue and palate. At the first consult the animal received analgesics and was chosen a treatment with homeopathy and Papain gel 5%. The treatment last for 130 days and the cicatricial progress was satisfactory. There was no respiratory disease or a decrease of the animal's welfare.

Uma gata, SRD, com cerca de 60 dias de vida foi atendida na Clínica de pequenos animais do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Alfenas com histórico de choque elétrico após ter mordido um fio de alimentação de um computador. Ao exame clínico o animal apresentava lesão ulcerada envolvendo o plano nasal e trufas e estendendo se aos lábios, língua e palato. O paciente recebeu analgesia e recebeu tratamento tópico com papaína. O tratamento durou 130 dias e o progresso cicatricial foi satisfatório, não havendo doença respiratória secundária a exposição constante da cavidade nasal.

Sudden death associated with electric shock in a horse: a case report / Muerte súbita asociada a descarga eléctrica en un equino: reporte de uncaso / Morte súbita associada com choque elétrico em um cavalo: relato de caso

The aim of this study was to describe a case of sudden death in a horse associated with electric shock. Refer aThoroughbred horse race, sex male, 7 years old. With a history of sudden collapse and death. He practiced thetechnique described for equine necropsy. Samples were collected from all organs for histology. Additionally, blood samples for complete blood count and blood chemistry. The room where the fish was was assessed with a powerdetector. Necropsy results were cyanotic mucous membranes, marked rigor mortis. Bleeding Ecchymotic epicardiumand endocardium. Liver hemorrhage, adrenal and kidney bruise. The histological sections showed in muscle: marked hypereosinophilia, retains the basic profile of the muscle myofibril, acute coagulation necrosis. Heart: coagulationnecrosis, degeneration of muscle myofibrils with hyalinization and swelling. Hematological tests evidenced acutehemolysis. Environmental assessment with the power detector revealed a discharge of electricity with an amperage≥250 mA. In conclusion we report a case of sudden death in a horse associated with electric shock.

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir un caso de muerte súbita en un equino asociado a una descarga eléctrica.Se remite un equino Pura Sangre de Carrera, de sexo macho, 7 años de edad. Con historia de colapso súbito ymuerte. Se le practicó la técnica de necropsia descrita para equinos. Fueron colectadas muestras de todos los órganos para estudio histológico. Adicionalmente se tomaron muestras de sangre para estudio hematológico y química sanguínea. El recinto donde se encontraba el ejemplar fue evaluado con un detector de electricidad. Los resultados de necropsia fueron: mucosas cianóticas, marcada rigidez cadavérica. Hemorragia equimótica de epicardio y endocardio. Hemorragia hepática, adrenal y renal equimótica. Los cortes histológicos evidenciaron en musculo: marcada hipereosinofilia, se conserva el perfil básico de la miofibrilla muscular, necrosis de coagulación aguda. Corazón: necrosis de coagulación, degeneración de miofibrillas musculares con hialinización y tumefacción. Elestudio hematológico evidenció hemolisis aguda. La evaluación del ambiente con el detector de electricidad reveló una descarga de electricidad con un amperaje ≥250mA. En conclusión se reporta un caso de muerte súbita en unequino asociada a descarga eléctrica.

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever um caso de morte súbita num equino associado a uma descarga elétrica. Éremitido um equino Sangue Puro de Carreira, de sexo macho, 7 anos de idade. Com uma historia de colapso súbito e morte. Foi praticada a técnica de necropsia descrita para equinos. Foram coletadas amostras de todos os órgãos para estudo histológico. Adicionalmente foram tomadas amostras de sangue para estudo hematológico e químicasanguínea. O lugar onde se encontrava o exemplar foi avaliado com um detector de eletricidade. Os resultadosde necropsia foram: mucosas cianóticas, marcada rigidez cadavérica. Hemorragia equimótica de epicardio eendocardio. Hemorragia hepática, adrenal e renal equimótica. Os cortes histológicos evidenciaram em músculo:marcada hipereosinofilia, é conservado o perfil básico da miofibrilha muscular, necrose de coagulação aguda.Coração: necrose de coagulação, degeneração de miofibrilhas musculares com hialinização e tumefação. O estudohematológico evidenciou hemolise aguda. A avaliação do ambiente com o detector de eletricidade revelou umadescarga de eletricidade com um amperagem ≥250mA. Em conclusão é reportado um caso de morte súbita numequino associada à descarga elétrica.