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Case Reports
. 2025 Feb 20:17:121-127.
doi: 10.2147/OAEM.S509826. eCollection 2025.

Deadly Injuries Sustained From a Hyena Attack: The Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment - A Case Report

Abdullahi Ahmed Ahmed  1 , Ismail Gedi Ibrahim  2 , Ismail Mohamoud Abdullahi  3 , Abdihakim Artan Abdi  4 , Mohamed Dahir Omar  1 , Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Deadly Injuries Sustained From a Hyena Attack: The Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment - A Case Report

Abdullahi Ahmed Ahmed et al. Open Access Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Animal bites represent a significant global public health concern, with hyena attacks being rare but highly destructive. This report details the case of a 22-year-old male who was attacked by a hyena while herding camels in rural Qardho, Somalia. The attack resulted in traumatic amputation of both testicles and the penis, finger loss, extensive muscle damage, and a jawbone fracture. The patient initially received local care and was subsequently transferred to Mogadishu for advanced treatment. Key interventions included wound closure, tracheotomy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and tetanus prophylaxis. This case highlights the complexities of managing severe trauma in resource-limited settings and underscores the necessity of timely, multidisciplinary care. Long-term rehabilitation, along with psychological support, are essential components of the patient's recovery. Furthermore, the case emphasizes the importance of trauma prevention strategies and ensuring access to specialized medical care in remote regions.

Keywords: genital injury; human trauma; hyena attack; mandibular fracture.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The image illustrates a patient with facial injuries (Left picture) and amputated fingers sustained from a hyena attack (Middle picture), alongside the deceased hyena (Right).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Shows bilateral amputations of the fingers (Left and middle picture) and bilateral absence of the testes, along with partial absence of the penis (Right picture).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Illustrates multiple lacerations on various parts of the body resulting from hyena bites.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The head and maxillofacial CT examination revealed displaced fractures of the bilateral mandibular condyles, anterior mandibular body, and bilateral maxillary sinus walls, as seen in the coronal (A), axial (B), and sagittal (C) views, respectively. The brain window scalp (D) also demonstrated scalp lacerations (indicated by arrows).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Significant soft tissue defects in the thigh (A) and the X-rays of the hands (B and C) revealed phalangeal amputations.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Illustrates intraoperative maxillofacial reconstruction procedures.
Figure 7
Figure 7
After two weeks of follow up image.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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