Electric Cord Bite Injury in Cats
Key takeaways
Biting electric cords can result in electrocution, which ranges in severity from mild burns to life-threatening cardiac arrest.
- Many cats develop fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) within 36 hours of the initial shock
- Typical symptoms include burns on/around the mouth, singed hair or whiskers, difficulty breathing, coughing, rapid breathing, blue gums, muscle tremors, seizures, and collapse
- Diagnostics focus on identifying the severity of the shock and determining whether pulmonary edema is present
- The diagnostic process involves a complete physical examination, bloodwork, chest x-rays or ultrasound, and electrocardiogram
- Treatment varies according to the severity of injury and symptoms
- Mild burns to the mouth may require topical medications and pain management, while cases of pulmonary edema require extensive treatment and hospitalization
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A closer look: Electric Cord Bite Injury in Cats
Electric cord bite injuries occur when a cat bites through the plastic sheath of a cord and makes contact with a live electric current. If a cat is found in distress with a cord in its mouth, it is important not to touch the animal before the electric supply has been turned off, as the electricity can flow from the cat’s body to anyone touching it.
The prognosis varies according to the severity of the injury. The injury might lead to a mild mouth burn, or to more severe conditions such as pulmonary edema which have a poorer prognosis.
Most cats that go into cardiac arrest or unconsciousness due to the injury do not survive. Cats that have bitten through an electrical cord require immediate veterinary attention.
Risk factors
Electric cord bite injuries are uncommon in adult cats. This type of injury is much more common in young animals, who are more curious. All animals with access to live cords are at risk of electric cord bite injury.
Symptoms vary according to the severity of the injury. In the most severe cases, cats can go into cardiac arrest and lose consciousness. The survival rate for this kind of injury is extremely low.
Electrical shock can also stimulate fluid to flood into the lungs, a condition called pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema can occur up to 36 hours after the initial shock.
Possible causes
The main cause for electrocution is biting an exposed electric cord such as Christmas lights, phone charging cables, or other power cords. Biting the cord causes an electric shock, damaging tissues around the mouth and potentially stimulating nerves throughout the body, disrupting their normal function.
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
The diagnostic process focuses on identifying the severity of the shock, and whether pulmonary edema has developed. Diagnostics include:
- A complete physical examination
- Bloodwork
- Electrocardiogram
- Diagnostic imaging, such as chest x-rays or ultrasound
Steps to Recovery
Treatment varies according to the severity of the injury and symptoms. Mouth burns are treated with topical medications and pain relief drugs.
In cases of pulmonary edema, treatment consists of supportive therapy such as oxygen support, mechanical ventilation, and fluid therapy. Medications to encourage fluid drainage are often given to try and hasten recovery. Cats require hospitalization and ongoing monitoring during the recovery period.
The prognosis varies according to the severity of the injury. Oral burns are expected to heal completely, with appropriate treatment, in about 2 weeks. Cats may require nutritional support or dietary changes during the recovery period, as eating may be painful.
Pulmonary edema has a poor prognosis but the chances of survival increase markedly if the patient survives the first 24 hours. With appropriate treatment, it takes cats from 3 to 5 days to recover from pulmonary edema.
Prevention
Prevention includes discarding damaged electric cords and reducing access to electric cords.
Is Electric Cord Bite Injury in Cats common?
Electric cord bite injury is uncommon in cats, but is more common in young animals.
Typical Treatment
- Topical medications for burns
- Pain relief medications
- Antibiotics
- Supportive therapy
