Management of Human and Animal Bites

Auricular Reconstruction

The auricle is susceptible to various injuries due to its location and projection from the scalp. The unique contours of the external ear makes reconstruction a challenging endeavor. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of auricular reconstruction, based on the depth, location, and size of injury. Strategies for reconstructing superficial, composite, and full-thickness injuries are discussed in relation to the location of the defect. Targeted reconstructive options for injuries of the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the auricle are outlined. Methods for total auricular reconstruction and auricular prosthesis are discussed. Options for managing traumatic injuries are reviewed, including avulsion/amputation injuries, burns, electrical injuries, frostbite, and human/animal bites. This chapter provides a practical framework for surgeons faced with complex auricular defects, offering insights to recreate a discreet, harmonious ear.

Evaluation of Emergency Admissions Due to Animal-Related Incidents Based on Prehospital Emergency Medicine Data: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Animal injuries, especially dog bites, are a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The majority of these injuries lead to emergency healthcare visits and may have serious consequences such as infection risk and organ injuries. There is a limited number of studies on the demographic and operational characteristics of animal-related 112 emergency visits in Turkey. In this study, we aimed to conduct research to fill this gap.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included animal-caused cases received by Ankara 112 Emergency Health Services Emergency Health Automation System (ASOS) between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2023. A total of 3457 cases were analyzed. Data were evaluated using the IBM SPSS 27.0 program.

RESULTS

There was an overall decreasing trend in animal-related emergency admissions between 2019 and 2023. Most cases were recorded during the summer season, especially in July. Male patients predominated (61.2%), with the majority of cases (81.7%) occurring in urban areas. Dog bites were the most common cause, accounting for 49.3% of cases. In the majority of cases, transportation time was below the Ministry of Health quality standards.

CONCLUSION

Dog bites account for the majority of animal-related emergency admissions. The increase in cases during the summer months emphasizes the importance of social awareness and preventive strategies. The findings of the study provide an important reference for improving emergency health services and developing strategies to prevent such cases.

Inhibitory effects against zoonotic bacteria by Oroxylum indicum ointment and effects to dog wound

A topical antimicrobial ointment was developed from the fruit extract of Oroxylum indicum and was evaluated for its antibacterial and wound-healing effects and acute toxicity in animal models. O. indicum fruit and seed extracts exhibited antibacterial activities against clinically isolated bacteria and showed in vitro antioxidant activities. To develop a topical antimicrobial ointment from the fruit extract of O. indicum and evaluate for its antibacterial and wound-healing effects. O. indicum fruit extract ointment was prepared and qualitatively controlled. Acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated in the animal model. Antibacterial effects and healing effects of the ointment to the dog wound were investigated. The results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The ointment exhibited in vitro antibacterial effects. A single daily application of the ointment to a dog's wound exhibited a wound-healing effect with complete epithelialization within 7 days while the wound was completely healed with the removal of the scabs, the size was decreased to 14% of the original size within 12 days. The ointment was found no acute toxicity in the animal model. O. indicum ointment promoted in vitro antibacterial activity and wound-healing effect in dogs with no acute toxicity.

[Trauma surgical relevance of bite injuries by animals and humans]

Bite injuries require differentiated treatment due to the deeply inoculated polymicrobial pathogen spectrum, possible concomitant injuries and pronounced soft tissue damage. Dog bites are the most common bite injuries but are less complicated to heal than human and cat bites. The location of the bite greatly depends on the age and the size of the bite victim as well as the type of bite perpetrator. In every case detection of the pathogen should be carried out to provide the best possible adapted treatment in the event of an exacerbation. The primary antibiotic treatment should be empirical with amoxicillin + clavulanic acid or ampicillin + sulbactam and, if necessary, adjusted according to the antibiogram. Depending on the findings, surgical treatment includes excision of the bite canal and a customized wound debridement. It is important to check the vaccination status of those involved and if indicated, to carry out postexposure prophylaxis for tetanus and rabies.

Animal and human bites: Navigating evaluation and care

ABSTRACT

Patients who have experienced animal or human bites may present for care in a number of settings with a variety of injuries requiring different approaches to treatment and management. Because animal and human bites range in severity and can result in a host of sequelae, their evaluation and management can be complex. In caring for patients with an animal or human bite, NPs must consider the many factors relevant to such an injury.

Time-series analysis of meteorological factors and emergency department visits due to dog/cat bites in Jinshan area, China

Background

Meteorological factors play an important role in human health. Clarifying the occurrence of dog and cat bites (DCBs) under different meteorological conditions can provide key insights into the prevention of DCBs. Therefore, the objective of the study was to explore the relationship between meteorological factors and DCBs and to provide caution to avoid the incidents that may occur by DCBs.

Methods

In this study, data on meteorological factors and cases of DCBs were retrospectively collected at the Shanghai Climate Center and Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, respectively, in 2016-2020. The distributed lag non-linear and time series model (DLNM) were used to examine the effect of meteorological elements on daily hospital visits due to DCBs.

Results

A total of 26,857 DCBs were collected ranging from 1 to 39 cases per day. The relationship between ambient temperature and DCBs was J-shaped. DCBs were positively correlated with daily mean temperature (rs = 0.588, P < 0.01). The relative risk (RR) of DCBs was associated with high temperature (RR = 1.450; 95% CI [1.220-1.722]). Female was more susceptible to high temperature than male. High temperature increased the risk of DCBs.

Conclusions

The extremely high temperature increased the risk of injuries caused by DCBs, particularly for females. These data may help to develop public health strategies for potentially avoiding the occurrence of DCBs.

Dog bite-induced necrosis of lymph nodes: A case report and literature review

Dog bite is a common skin injury, which mainly causes structural damage, infection, and psychological trauma. Among these complications, infection by oral flora from animals has a major effect on later treatment. Each animal has a relatively unique oral microbial flora, which has a potential risk of infection and affects the formulation of treatment plans. Although lymph node necrosis is a common disease in the medical field, distant metastatic abscess and lymph node necrosis caused by dog bite are still worthy of early clinical suspicion after a patient presents with a dog bite disease. A high index of suspicion is greatly significant in shortening the patient's hospital stay, promoting wound healing, and reducing psychological trauma of patients.

[Bite Injuries - Diagnosis and Treatment]

Bite Injuries - Diagnosis and Treatment Abstract. In Switzerland 50% of the people get bitten by an animal once in their lifetime. Almost 20% of all bite injuries lead to infections. All bite wounds should be debrided and irrigated with saline. Primary wound management is critical in terms of reducing the risk of infection. Injuries to the hands and face should be treated by a hand or plastic surgeon.

[Caution: aggressive! Dog bite injuries in clinical forensic medicine]

Younger children in particular are at risk of becoming victims of dog attacks due to their small size. Such a biting incident can fulfil various criminal offences. In order to be able to satisfy possible legal claims, the injuries should be documented by forensic medicine and thus be legally binding. Therefore, close cooperation between the treating surgeons and forensic experts is recommended. A retrospective analysis of the cases of dog bite injuries in children and adults treated by clinical forensic medicine at the University Medical Center Rostock was carried out under various aspects. Adult casualties were predominantly injured on the lower extremities. The children examined were predominantly bitten on the head, neck and face region as well as the upper extremities. Injury severity ranged from skin redness to severe substance defects with loss of body structures. The biting dog was known in about half of the cases. In order to avoid dog bites in children, parents as well as children should be trained in dealing with dogs.