Partial and full thickness burns in 5 year old Holstein bull

Abstract

Jay Phoenix, a five year old intact Holstein bull, presented to the Large Animal Soft Tissue service for evaluation of burn injuries and for castration. Two weeks earlier, the bull was involved in a trailer fire in the Midwestern United States and sustained multiple burn injuries primarily on his left side. He was acquired by a rescue organization in the area and transferred to Cornell's Farm Animal Hospital for further care. During his hospitalization, the bull exhibited signs of discomfort as well as post burn pruritus. His injuries were clinically classified as a combination of partial and full thickness burns in various areas. The bull was treated topically with saline lavage, anesthetic, antibiotic and antifungal therapy. He continued to express signs of pain and pruritus and was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy both orally and parenterally and antihistamine therapy via injection. Once the burn wounds began to heal and respond to therapy, the bull was cleared for castration surgery. The bull was given peri-operative antibiotic therapy and underwent open castration under sedation and local anesthetics. He recovered uneventfully from his surgery and his burns progressed in a positive direction. He was discharged to the care of the owners with recommendations for continued application of a topical antimicrobial ointment, limited sunlight exposure and controlled activity levels. The patient was reported to be doing well and continued to heal as of the week of October 18, 2010.