Section: Follow-up
Burn patients require extensive and prolonged nursing care. Bandage changes and wound cleaning, as well as continuing nutritional support, are crucial. Some severe wounds can take months to completely heal. During the first 1 to 2 months of healing, the wounds must be monitored carefully. Scars can cause limitation of movement so daily physical therapy, including passive range of motion, exercise or swimming, is needed to prevent severe scabbing or tightness when the scars form.
Repeated veterinary visits are very important. Detecting and treating complications early will help hasten recovery.
Repeated blood tests are necessary to make sure the rest of the body is functioning normally.
Multiple surgeries may be required to completely heal the burn.