Characteristics and outcomes of dog attacks to dogs and cats in Melbourne, Australia: A retrospective study of 459 cases (2018)

Abstract

Dog-dog and dog-cat attacks can result in severe medical, financial, and emotional injury to pets and owners. The characteristics of dog-dog and dog-cat attack victims, the circumstances surrounding these attacks and the financial burden from veterinary visits is not reported in Australia. Medical records from 459 animals that were presented to the emergency service of four specialty hospitals in Melbourne, Australia in 2018 following a dog attack were assessed via univariate and multivariate methodologies with a retrospective case-control study design. Animals who had been attacked by a dog comprised 2.4% of the overall caseload at these four hospitals. Risk factors identified in dog-dog attack victims for presenting to a veterinary emergency hospital after being attacked were being cross-bred (OR = 1.4, p = 0.014, 95% CI = 1.07-1.84) and neutered (OR = 1.4, p = 0.035, 95% CI = 1.03-2.00). Being aged > 2-7years was protective (OR = 0.70, p = 0.010, CI = 0.48-0.88). Dogs from houses with a lower Socio-economic Indices for Areas score (SIEFA) were more likely to be attacked at home by a known attacker, compared to those from houses with a higher SIEFA score who were more likely to be attacked in public by a dog unknown to them (p = <0.001). Cats who presented following a dog attack had a 46.3% survival to discharge, compared to 91.8% in dogs (p < 0.001). Final cost of treatment for dogs and cats was similar (median AU $380 vs AU $360, respectively). Further research is needed to evaluate the population of dogs and cats attacked by dogs, to inform and direct public education campaigns aimed at reducing their incidence and overall burdens.

Keywords: Bite wounds; Dog attack; Dog bite; Veterinary emergency.