Animal Bites

Excerpt

Animal bites account for approximately 1% of all emergency department visits in the United States (US) each year, with injuries ranging from superficial wounds to severe, disfiguring, or even fatal outcomes. In the US alone, approximately 2 to 5 million animal bites occur each year, with dogs being the most common culprits, followed by cats and, less frequently, wild animals. Dog bites account for approximately 337,000 emergency visits annually. Children are particularly vulnerable, often sustaining injuries to the head and neck due to their smaller stature, while adults and adolescents more commonly experience bites to the hands and arms.

While dog and cat bites represent the majority of animal bites encountered, other species, including rats, bats, and monkeys, also pose risks. Though less common, rat bites can lead to rat-bite fever, an infectious disease affecting individuals with contact with rodents. Bats are carriers of multiple viruses, including rabies, which can be transmitted to humans through bites. Monkeys, particularly in regions where humans and primates interact closely, have been known to exhibit aggressive behavior, resulting in bites that, while less than 1% of all animal bites, can carry significant risks.

Since dog and cat bites comprise over 95% of total bite wounds seen in emergency departments, this discussion will focus primarily on these incidents and their common sequelae. Prompt and appropriate wound management is crucial to reduce infection risks, including administering prophylactic antibiotics and, when indicated, rabies and tetanus prophylaxis. The microbial flora in animals' mouths is diverse, encompassing various bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, standard culture techniques taken from animal bite wounds may not always detect all pathogens. This necessitates a thorough evaluation of each bite to assess penetration depth and injury extent, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.