Management of a skin wound associated with use of an electronic anti-barking collar in a dog

Authors: Walmsley DW, Day SK, Nash KJ
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 52, Issue 1, pp 32-40, Mar 2022
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Dog
Subject Terms: Animal welfare, Behaviour, Ethics
Article class: Clinical Report

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Abstract:

A 3-year-old entire female Cavoodle was presented for wounds on the ventral neck region following prolonged application of an electronic anti-barking shock collar (EABSC) . It was concluded likely that pressure from prolonged device-tissue contact time, in combination with shear forces, resulted in local inflammation, tissue damage, and superficial infection. Staging and management were guided by the National Pressure Injury Advisors Panel clinical practice recommendations. The injury was classified as a Stage II pressure injury, characterised by partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis. Conservative management was therefore deemed a suitable treatment strategy. Microbial culture yielded growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Acidovorax temperans.

Treatment abided by the principles of moist wound healing, with management adjusted for each phase of wound healing. Complete secondary intention wound healing was achieved by Day 18, with a satisfactory clinical and cosmetic outcome.

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report describing management of a pressure injury associated with the use of an EABSC in a dog. The welfare implications of EABSC are discussed.

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