Treating Chemical Burns In The Horse

Chemical burns usually result from contact with substances such as phenols (creosote), alkaline compounds (quicklime), or acids. Burns of this nature must first be neutralized before other therapy can begin. The following list contains some common chemicals that produce burns and their neutralizing agents.

Chemical Neutralizing Agent

alkaline acetic acid/water 50/50

phenol alcohol

acid ( 1 teaspoonful of baking

soda per pint of warm

water)

unidentified saturated (highly

chemical burn concentrated)

solution of sodium

bicarbonate or sodium

thiosulfate

If the horse has come in contact with one of these chemicals, apply the corresponding neutralizing agent immediately. After neutralization, the injury can be cleaned with mild soap and water, washed with an isotonic saline solution ( 1 tsp. salt to 1 pint of warm water), and treated with a wet pack soaked in saline solution or sodium thiosulfate solution.