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A review of paediatric dog bite injuries presenting to plastic surgery services
1Department Plastic Surgery, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland.
Background:
Dog bites represent a significant number of presentations to plastic surgery services in Ireland. Recent changes to legislation around ownership of restricted breeds of dog has highlighted safety in the public domain. The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of paediatric dog bite injuries.
Methods:
This was a retrospective case series of all dog bite injuries referred to the plastic surgery service in Children's Hospital Ireland at Crumlin over a 3-year period (2020-2023). Patient demographics, group or breed of dog, details of injuries and interventions required, length of hospital stay, follow-up appointments and complications were recorded.
Findings:
Eighty-nine patients were identified, 48 (53.9%) male and 41 (46.06%) female. The mean age at presentation was 6.8 years (range 1-15 years). Fifty-three (59.6%) of dog bites were from a family pet. Where documented, 32 (70%) of the dogs involved were non-legislated breeds and 14 (30%) were legislated breeds. Facial and head & neck injuries were most common. There was one pediatric intensive care admission and one mortality as result of dog bite injuries.
Conclusion:
Dog bite injuries in children are highly morbid and preventable. In addition to legislation, mitigation of risk requires a multimodal, community-based approach that encompasses education of children, parents and dog owners.
