AVMA News

FDA issues recall over potential burn risk with grounding pads

A “Dear Veterinarian” letter is advising veterinarians using Megadyne grounding pads about potential burn injuries in animals.

The recall, issued January 14 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), affects Megadyne Mega Soft, Mega Soft Dual, and Mega 2000 patient return electrodes. The recall does not involve removing these devices, but instead updating their usage instructions to help prevent burns. 

The soft pads, used during electrosurgery, are human medical devices also used in veterinary practice, and FDA CVM has received reports of burn injuries in animals, including dogs of varying ages and weights, associated with these devices. Megadyne has also received reports of burn injuries.

Top: Megadyne MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrode; Bottom: Megadyne MEGA SOFT Patient Return Electrode
The animal adverse event reports received by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for some Megadyne pads included dogs of varying weights and ages receiving burn injuries. Human medical devices are often used for animal patients in veterinary practice. (Image courtesy of FDA)

Megadyne's updates to its usage instructions include following proper setup, cleaning and placement steps, and advising practitioners that no additional materials should be placed between the patient and Mega Soft pad.

The FDA encourages veterinarians and animal owners to report any product defects and adverse experiences with medical devices.

A version of this story appears in the March 2025 print issue of JAVMA