Animal Bites

Published on 10/06/2015 by admin

Filed under Pediatrics

Last modified 10/06/2015

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Animal Bites

Leticia Manning Ryan, MD , Robert J. Freishtat, MD, MPH

Basic Information

Definition

Bites may occur from a variety of animals including dogs, cats, and rodents; most are minor and do not require medical attention. An animal bite is medically significant when the injury is severe, if cosmetic appearance or infection of the wound is a concern, or when rabies or tetanus prophylaxis is indicated.

Synonyms

Dog bite
Cat bite

ICD-9-CM Codes

879.8 Open wound

Epidemiology & Demographics

• The true incidence is unknown as most bites are trivial and do not require medical care. An estimated 2 million animal bites occur annually. In 2001, an estimated 368,245 persons were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for dog-bite related injuries.
• Children (aged 5 to 9 years) are the most common victims. Younger children are more likely to be male.
• Animal bites tend to occur most often in warm climates or during warm seasons. The majority of dog and cat bites occur with domestic pets. Non-neutered male dogs and aggressive breeds of dogs typically pose a greater risk.

Clinical Presentation

• Identify the specific animal involved, including its whereabouts and immunization status, to consider need for antibiotic and rabies prophylaxis.
• Determine the time elapsed since the injury, which is an important factor in infection control and wound closure.
• Describe the location and type of wound.
• Search for underlying structural damage including neurovascular or tendon injury, joint involvement, and fractures. (Dog bites are most commonly associated with significant occult injury.)
• Bites may result in lacerations, puncture wounds, and superficial abrasions as well as underlying structural damage.

Etiology

• The most common perpetrators of animal bites are dogs, which account for 80% to 90% of animal bites.
• Wound infections are frequently polymicrobial; Pasteurella multocida

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