Abstract
The purpose of this article is to present a case series of facial dog bites injuries, its management and emphasize the importance of primary closure. Animal bite injuries, unlike wounds caused by assaults and accidents, are more distinctive, as they cause deep puncture wounds. Such wounds are inoculated with pathogenic bacteria from the saliva of the attacking dog due to the penetration of tissue by excessive bite force. Hence, these wounds are at a high risk of infection. The key point in its management is thorough cleansing, meticulous but not overzealous debridement, followed by rabies immunization, tetanus immunization, primary closure, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. A retrospective study of 27 cases that underwent primary repair or reconstruction after wound toilet, debridement and administration of prophylactic antibiotics has been presented.
Highlights
According to the WHO, ten million people are bitten by animals around the world annually, of which 55,000 people are infected with rabies
Bite wounds are always considered as complex injuries contaminated with unique polymicrobial inoculum
According to an animal bite survey conducted by the WHO in 2004 on Indian population, a majority (75%) of the animal bite victims belonged to the low income strata
Summary
According to the WHO, ten million people are bitten by animals around the world annually, of which 55,000 people are infected with rabies. According to an animal bite survey conducted by the WHO in 2004 on Indian population, a majority (75%) of the animal bite victims belonged to the low income strata. The major causative animal was the dog in 91.5% of the cases, of which 62.9% were strays and 37.1% pets.[1] In decreasing order of frequency, the locations involved were cervicofacial, lower extremity, upper extremity and the chest.[2] Interestingly, majority of the dog bite injuries in children occur in the head and neck region, while only 10% of adults suffer from similar injuries. The lips, nose and cheek comprise the central target areas
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