The Treatment for Oral or Esophageal Burns in a Dog

The type of toxin ingested will determine the primary method for immediate treatment of dogs suffering from oral or esophageal burns. If your dog eats or swallows any known corrosive substance, or if you suspect she may have gotten into something poisonous but you do not know what, rush her to a veterinary emergency clinic. Unfortunately, by the time a dog is examined, chemical burns may already have caused damage to the animal̵7;s oral cavity or esophagus. If a veterinarian is unavailable, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

  1. Alkaline Products

    • Dishwasher detergents, drain openers and toilet bowl cleaners contain corrosive alkali. If a dog licks or drinks an alkaline substance, she may not feel immediate discomfort. Alkali penetrates more deeply and extensively, and damage may not be apparent for up to 12 hours. Dogs who consume an alkaline product must be taken immediately to the veterinarian or emergency clinic. Your veterinarian̵7;s treatment for oral and esophageal burns may include pain medication, gastrointestinal protectants, antibiotics and supportive care. An endoscopic evaluation of the esophagus may be necessary, and some dogs will require a tube to receive nutrition while their mucous membranes heal.

    Batteries

    • Batteries contain toxins whether they appear corroded or not.

      Veterinary treatment of alkaline poisoning is similar with all products, but batteries pose additional complications. Alkaline batteries are found in electronic products in all parts of the home, and ingestion by your dog may cause oral and esophageal corrosive injury. A battery's alkaline gel produces tissue necrosis resulting in deeply penetrating burns. Lithium disc batteries may lodge in your dog̵7;s esophagus and generate a current that leaves perforating circular ulcers on the esophagus. According to The Merck Veterinary Manual, treatment with ̶0;20 mL boluses of tap water every 15 minutes will decrease the severity and delay the development of current-induced esophageal ulceration.̶1; Removal of a battery depends on the animal, type of battery and possibility of battery puncture. Some batteries pass through the intestines causing no further damage, but others must be surgically or endoscopically removed.

    Acidic Products

    • Acidic household products, including anti-rust compounds, gun-cleaning fluids, car batteries and pool sanitizers, can cause corrosive burns and coagulative necrosis, resulting in limited penetration of deep tissues. Dogs feel immediate, intense pain when acidic substances come into contact with their mucous membranes. Upon experiencing this pain, dogs typically stop consuming the product. A veterinarian may recommend giving your dog water or milk to dilute the acid, or administering Pepto Bismol, Milk of Magnesia or another antacid before taking her to the emergency veterinary clinic. The doctor will treat your dog̵7;s oral lesions and other symptoms as needed, prescribing pain medication, antibiotics for infection and sucralfate slurries to form a protective barrier over ulcers to facilitate healing. For dogs with severe oral and esophageal damage, your veterinarian may need to provide intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and a tube for nutritional support.

    Potpourri

    • Homemade potpourri without chemicals should still be kept away from pets.

      Liquid potpourri contains cationic surfactants to prevent mold growth. Ingestion can cause blisters and burns on the tongue, larynx and esophagus. If you notice your dog licking spilled liquid potpourri or suspect she has consumed any, call the veterinarian. For a dog not exhibiting symptoms, such as drooling, vomiting, muscle weakness and high fever, the ASPCA suggests giving her small amounts of milk to curtail the burns' effects. After examining your dog, the veterinarian may prescribe medication, such as antibiotics for infection and sucralfate to promote healing of oral and esophageal ulcers. Breathing problems will need treatment, and nutritional support is essential for animals who will not eat because of mouth and throat pain.