Volume 76 (2026) Issue: 2026 No#1

Unintended ultraviolet-C exposure during hospitalization in a dog

Author(s): Jiyoung Yang, Yujin Kim, Min Jang, Sungin Lee

Keywords:Canine, Erythema, Irradiation, Skin injury, Ultraviolet Rays

A 12-year-old castrated male Maltese dog was referred for a liver mass and underwent complete liver lobectomy. On postoperative day 3, generalized skin erythema and ocular irritation were observed. Investigation revealed accidental activation of a ceiling-mounted UV-C germicidal lamp (253.7 nm, 2.5 W) located 30 cm above the patient, resulting in an estimated exposure of 15,000 J/m² approximately over 4 hours. Clinical signs included hyperthermia, tachycardia, and diffuse erythema. The site from which a continuous glucose monitoring device had been removed showed deeper skin injury, suggesting enhanced UV-C penetration through compromised stratum corneum and epidermis. Ocular symptoms were mild and resolved rapidly. Supportive care included cooling therapy, topical aloe vera, and prophylactic ophthalmic medication. Dermatological symptoms progressed to partial-thickness skin injury but resolved completely within 1 month, with full hair regrowth and no abnormalities observed at a 6-month follow-up. This case identifies UV-C disinfection systems as a potentially underrecognized source of iatrogenic injury in veterinary hospitals. Prolonged confinement and the inability to escape the irradiated area likely contributed to lesion severity. The case emphasizes the importance of staff education regarding the safe use of UV-C equipment to prevent similar incidents in clinical practice.