SCROTAL DOG BITES

Abstract

Dog bites to the scrotum are rare but they potentially result in morbidity if improperly managed. Between 1991 and 1999 we treated 4 men and 3 boys with dog bites to the scrotum. All 7 patients presented to the emergency department shortly after the injury. Of the 4 adults 3 were ingesting alcohol and 2 were obviously intoxicated, and 1 had a T4 spinal cord injury and was bitten during sleep. Of the children 2 were apparently bitten without provocation, while a 5-year-old boy was bitten when the family dog was disturbed while eating. All wounds were explored, irrigated and débrided. There was no involvement of the testes or spermatic cord. Each wound was closed primarily and 5 healed without sequelae. The spinal cord injured man had partial dehiscence of the incision and in another man superficial hematoma required drainage. Each patient received antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis but none required rabies inoculation. Although there are reports of devastating scrotal injuries from dog bites, most such wounds may be treated by careful inspection for intrascrotal injuries followed by débridement and closure. Antimicrobial prophylaxis should be administered, as for any bite wound.