Overview
How common are animal bites in emergency medicine?
How are animal bites characterized?
Which factors increase the risk of infection from animal bite wounds?
Which common bacteria cause wound infections from dog bites?
Which common bacteria cause wound infections from cat bites?
Which common bacteria cause wound infections from herbivore bites?
Which common bacteria cause wound infections from swine bites?
Which common bacteria cause wound infections from rodent bites?
Which common bacteria cause wound infections from primate bites?
Which common bacteria cause wound infections from large reptile bites?
What is the frequency of animal bites in the US?
What is the global frequency of animal bites?
How does the prevalence of animal bites vary by sex?
How does the incidence of animal bites vary by age?
What is the prognosis of animal bite wounds?
What should be included in patient education for animal bite wounds?
Presentation
What should be the focus of history in patients with animal bites?
What should be assessed in the physical exam of animal bites?
What are potential complications of animal bite wounds?
DDX
What are the differential diagnoses for Animal Bites in Emergency Medicine?
Workup
What is the role of lab studies in the workup of animal bites?
What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of animal bites?
Treatment
What is included in prehospital care for animal bite wounds?
What is included in emergency department (ED) care for animal bites?
How should animal bite wounds be irrigated?
What is the risk of infection in mammalian bites?
How is infection prevented in animal bite?
How are wounds managed following an animal bite?
What are the indications for inpatient care of animal bites?
Which specialists should be consulted in the treatment of animal bites?
How are animal bites prevented?
What is included in long-term monitoring following treatment of animal bites?
Medications
What is the role of antibiotics in the treatment of animal bites?
What are the IDSA guidelines for antimicrobial therapy in animal bites?
What are the goals of initial antibiotic therapy for animal bites?
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Animal bites. The devastating damage sustained by a preadolescent male during a dog attack. Almost lost in this photograph is the soft tissue damage to this victim's thigh. This patient required 2 units of O- blood and several liters of isotonic crystalloid. Repair of these wounds required a pediatric surgeon, an experienced orthopedic surgeon, and a plastic surgeon. Attacks such as these have caused a movement in some areas of the country to ban certain dog breeds.
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Animal bites. Massive soft tissue damage of the right leg caused by a dog attack. This patient was transferred to a level one pediatric trauma center for care. At times, staff members may need counseling after caring for mauled patients.
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Animal bites. Massive soft tissue damage of the lower left leg caused from a dog attack. Most of the fatalities from dog bites are children.
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Animal bites. A different angle of the patient in Image 3 showing the massive soft tissue damage to this child's left lower leg.
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Animal bites. Wounds to the left arm and hip inflicted during a dog attack.