Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment
Abstract
To assess the demographic patterns, clinical morbidity, and treatment costs associated with domestic animal bites to the hand. A retrospective review was performed on 111 patients who suffered either a dog or cat bite to the hand. Demographic data were collected for both the patient and the animal involved. The patient population had suffered 71 dog bites and 40 cat bites. Two scenarios were identified that increased the likelihood of a bite: (1) attempting to separate fighting animals and (2) attempting to aid an injured animal. More than half of the victims (61 of 111) were bitten by an animal with which they were familiar. Bite injuries ranged from relatively minor wounds to major injuries that included open fractures, persistent deep infection including osteomyelitis, nerve laceration, tendon laceration, or tissue loss. Approximately two thirds of patients required hospital admission at least for intravenous antibiotics. Approximately one third of animal bite victims required at least 1 surgical procedure. Thirteen patients required long-term intravenous antibiotics and/or multiple surgeries and incurred medical expenses in excess of dollar 77,000. Domestic animal bites to the hand are common injuries that can produce consi...Continue Reading
References
Citations
Thorough debridement and immediate primary wound closure for animal bite injuries of the upper limbs
Osteomyelitis following Domestic Animal Bites to the Hand: Two Case Reports and Practical Guidelines
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