Management of eyelid dog bites

Abstract

Eyelid dog bites are common facial injuries that occur frequently in children and often involve the lacrimal canaliculi. Even though the incidence of infection following repair of these lacerations is low, prophylactic antibiotics should be administered to all patients. Good function and appearance of repaired eyelid dog bites is achieved with appropriate surgical management. This article presents 2 cases and a retrospective review of 7 patients with eyelid dog bite injuries evaluated and treated between August 1989 and June 1994; 6 of 9 patients were children. The lacrimal drainage system was lacerated in 6 of 9 patients. All patients underwent surgical repair of their injuries and received antibiotics directed at common canine oral bacterial flora. The patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months postoperatively. There was only 1 case of facial wound infection. Good functional results were achieved in all patients.