Dog bites in the emergency department: a descriptive analysis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Dog bites represent a significant public health concern, necessitating an understanding of injury patterns and risk factors.
• Previous research has focused on pediatric dog bites, with less data available on adult presentations in emergency departments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and injury patterns of adult dog bites presenting to emergency departments in a Canadian city.
• To identify common dog breeds involved in adult bites and assess the severity and management of these injuries.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of adult patients (≥16 years) presenting with dog bites to emergency departments over a 30-month period.
• Data collected included patient demographics, injury location and severity, dog breed, and treatment outcomes, including infection rates.

Main Results:

• A total of 475 adult dog bites were recorded, with the highest incidence during summer months.
• Pit-bull type breeds were the most frequently implicated (27%), and bites predominantly occurred on the hands (56%).
• The overall infection rate was 10%, with a small percentage requiring surgical intervention such as complex closure, defect reconstruction, or tendon/nerve repair.

Conclusions:

• Adult dog bites commonly affect the hands and upper extremities, with a notable infection risk of approximately 10%.
• Large, muscular breeds, particularly pit-bull types, were frequently involved.
• While breed-specific legislation's impact is uncertain, educational initiatives for owners, children, and healthcare professionals may reduce bite incidence and severity.