Management of a stingray barb laceration and suspect envenomation in a dog.

Abstract

This case report describes the successful management of a stingray laceration and suspected envenomation using a combination of opioid analgesia, heat compression, antimicrobial therapy, surgical debridement and closure. Stingray envenomation in the dog is a rare clinical presentation and is yet to be documented in the Australian veterinary literature. Envenomation can be markedly painful and may cause swelling and local tissue necrosis. No consensus on treatment guidelines has been published. Diagnostics and treatments performed are outlined with recommendations on a management plan for future cases.