Barking up the wrong tree? A survey of dog bite wound management
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M R Smith1, A Walker, J Brenchley
1Emergency Department, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK.
Objectives:
Several trials have been published examining the role of antibiotics in dog bite wound management. A meta-analysis of these suggests that there is very little benefit to routine antibiotic prescription in these patients. All papers however incorporated rigorous wound care regimens involving large volume irrigation.
Methods:
The authors undertook a telephone survey to investigate wound care and prescribing practice in bite wound management in accident and emergency and minor injury units in the Yorkshire region.
Results:
Twenty one departments were contacted. Only 10% of departments routinely irrigate these wounds. Antibiotics are prescribed routinely in 71%.
Conclusions:
Management of dog bite wounds would not seem to be evidence based in most departments in this sample.
