Animal Bites Workup

  • Author: Suzanne K Doud Galli, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA   more...
 
Updated: Sep 23, 2011
 

Laboratory Studies

Routine laboratory studies are not mandatory in the workup following an animal bite. However, with the risk of infection or sepsis, a complete blood cell count and cultures may provide useful information for treatment.

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Imaging Studies

Imaging studies are not routinely performed, except for possible fractures. An imaging study may be helpful to identify the presence of a foreign body (eg, a tooth).

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Suzanne K Doud Galli, MD  PhD, FACS, Consulting Staff, Cosmetic Facial Surgery, Private Practice

Suzanne K Doud Galli, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Rhinologic Society, and Triological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Philip J Miller, MD, FACS  Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, New York University School of Medicine

Philip J Miller, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Clark A Rosen, MD  Director, University of Pittsburgh Voice Center; Professor, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Clark A Rosen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Pennsylvania Medical Society

Disclosure: Bioform Medical Consulting fee Consulting; Bioform Medical Consulting fee Speaking and teaching

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Dominique Dorion, MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS  Vice Dean and Associate Dean of Resources, Professor of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine, Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Christopher L Slack, MD  Private Practice in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders

Christopher L Slack, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting; US Tobacco Corporation Unrestricted gift Unknown; Axis Three Corporation Ownership interest Consulting; Omni Biosciences Ownership interest Consulting; Sentegra Ownership interest Board membership; Syndicom Ownership interest Consulting; Oxlo Consulting; Medvoy Ownership interest Management position; Cerescan Imaging Honoraria Consulting; GYRUS ACMI Honoraria Consulting

References

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  16. Weiss HB, Friedman DI, Coben JH. Incidence of dog bite injuries treated in emergency departments. JAMA. Jan 7 1998;279(1):51-3. [Medline].

 
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