Craniocerebral injuries from dog bites

Dog bites are a common cause of injury in infants and children, with the face and head frequently involved. While scalp injuries may be extensive and severe, only five cases of compound depressed skull fractures caused by dog bites have been reported, to our knowledge. Four cases are presented to point out the potential risks of cranial penetration and underlying brain injury when infants and children suffer dog bites to the head. The principles for management of these injuries are outlined.