In general, burns are uncommon in horses. Severe burns may occur as a result of accidental fire and minor, more common thermal injuries from contact with hot solutions, electrocution/lightening strike, friction (such as rope burns), abrasions, and chemicals, such improperly used topical drugs or caustic agents.
The prognosis for most burns is good; often they are superficial, manageable, inexpensive and heal well. Serious burns, however, can result in rapid, severe burn shock or hypovolemia, with associated cardiovascular changes. Smoke inhalation and corneal ulceration are also often associated with severe burns.
Burns covering up to 50% or more of the body are usually fatal, although the depth of the burn influences mortality. Massive wound infection is almost impossible to prevent because of the difficulty of maintaining a sterile wound environment. Long-term care is required to prevent continued trauma, because burn wounds are often pruritic and self-mutilation is common.
Burned horses are frequently permanently disfigured, preventing them from returning to full function. Therefore, before treatment, the patient must be carefully examined, with particular attention paid to cardiovascular function, pulmonary status, ocular lesions, and the extent and severity of the burns.