ELECTRICAL SHOCK IN A DOG CAUSED BY A HIGH-VOLTAGE WIRE

Abstract

Electric shock in dogs is a clinical emergency that can cause neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and tissue alterations, requiring immediate intervention. This report describes the management of a 10-month-old, 12.5-kg male French Bulldog after biting a high-voltage wire. On admission, the patient presented with unconsciousness, seizures, hypersalivation, tachypnea, tachycardia, and an extensive oral lesion compatible with an electrical burn. Initial management consisted of patient stabilization, with intravenous fluid therapy and oxygen supplementation. During hospitalization, complete blood count, biochemical evaluation, lactate measurement, electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. Treatment was maintained with clinical support, analgesia, antimicrobials, and nutritional support. On the third day, debridement of necrotic oral areas was performed, followed by pharyngostomy to maintain enteral nutrition. Blood lactate concentration and seizure activity progressively decreased, with improvement in respiratory abnormalities and laboratory parameters. Oral feeding was resumed on the fifth day, and the patient was discharged on the seventh day of hospitalization. This case highlights the importance of systematic assessment and continuous monitoring in dogs with electrical shock, even after initial stabilization, because of the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic complications.