Answer
Educating patients about the risk of infection despite proper wound care, antibiotics (if indicated), and close follow-up care is very important. Even bite wounds that have received the best care may become infected. Teach patients the signs of infection and the need for prompt attention if the wound should become infected.
For patient education resources, see the First Aid & Emergencies Center and Infections Center, as well as Animal Bites and Rabies.
Did this answer your question?
Additional feedback? (Optional)
Thank you for your feedback!
Media Gallery
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Animal bites. A different angle of the patient in Image 3 showing the massive soft tissue damage to this child's left lower leg.
-
Animal bites. Wounds to the left arm and hip inflicted during a dog attack.
of
5
