1
|
Ochoa B, Eldredge RS, Gilbert M, Padilla B, Notrica DM, Armstrong C, Ballan W, Lee J. Postoperative Wound Infection After Primary Closure in Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries. J Surg Res 2024; 303:199-205. [PMID: 39368444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guidelines recommend three to 5 d of antibiotic prophylaxis after dog bite injury, but variation exists in clinical practice after primary closure of wounds. The purpose of this study was to analyze antibiotic duration and incidence of infection during a study period in which an institutional protocol limiting postrepair antibiotics to a maximum of 3 d was implemented. METHODS Dog bite injuries that underwent primary closure in patients ≤18 y were retrospectively identified from 2018 to 2022 at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Protocol compliance and short course of antibiotics were defined as ≤3 d of antibiotics. Multivariable regression analysis for variables associated with wound infection was performed. RESULTS 455 injuries were included for analysis. After protocol implementation, the mean antibiotic duration decreased from 6.8 to 4.4 d (P < 0.001). Postrepair follow-up data were available for 235 (51.6%) cases in the cohort. Multivariable logistic regression identified superficial wounds and anatomic injury location to be significantly associated with wound infection. Shorter antibiotic duration was not associated with increased risk of wound infection on regression analysis, and there was no difference in postoperative wound infection rate between short-course and long-course groups (7.5% versus 7.1%, P = 0.912). CONCLUSIONS Standardization of postoperative antibiotic duration was associated with a decrease antibiotic duration without an increase in the incidence of wound infections after closure of dog bite wounds. This study highlights the feasibility of multidisciplinary standardization of pediatric trauma care across specialties and the safety of minimizing antibiotic duration after pediatric dog bite repairs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brielle Ochoa
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - R Scott Eldredge
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Megan Gilbert
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Benjamin Padilla
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Child Health and Development, University of Arizona, School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - David M Notrica
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Child Health and Development, University of Arizona, School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine and Science, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Christian Armstrong
- Department of Pharmacy, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Infectious Diseases, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Wassim Ballan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Justin Lee
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Phoenix Children's, Phoenix, Arizona; Department of Child Health and Development, University of Arizona, School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Monti L, Kotzalidis GD, Arcangeli V, Brozzi C, Iacovino R, Giansanti C, Belella D, Marconi E, Pulitanò SM, Mazza M, Marano G, Conti G, Janiri D, Sani G, Chieffo DPR. Psychological Sequelae of Dog Bites in Children: A Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:1218. [PMID: 39457183 PMCID: PMC11506379 DOI: 10.3390/children11101218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Although rare in the Western world, dog bites may be lethal or lead to physically severe outcomes. However, little attention is given to their psychological consequences. We aimed to review their psychological consequences in children 1-14 years of age, focusing on the prevalence and nature of psychological disorders, evaluating the impact on future mental health of children and their families, and assessing the effectiveness of preventive interventions and measures. METHODS On 23 May 2024, we investigated the PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO/PsycARTICLES databases using ("dog bite" OR animal-induced OR animal-caused) AND (psychol* OR mental OR psychiatr* OR anxiety OR anxious OR depress* OR obsess* OR trauma* OR psychosis OR psychotic OR schizophren* OR schizoaffect*) filtered for ages 0-18 years. This resulted in 311 records, of which 50 were eligible. These included original research, case reports, patient surveys, and reviews/meta-analyses. RESULTS Findings indicate that younger children are particularly vulnerable, often suffering head/neck bites, leading to severe injuries and psychological distress, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being a common outcome. Symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and social withdrawal were frequently reported. Positive parental support and timely psychological interventions were found to mitigate these effects. CONCLUSIONS Interdisciplinary approaches integrating education, cognitive restructuring, and behaviour modification are needed to effectively prevent and address the psychological impacts of dog bites. Summarising, dog bites in children result in substantial psychological sequelae, necessitating robust prevention and intervention strategies to improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic mental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monti
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Georgios D. Kotzalidis
- Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.D.K.); (M.M.); (D.J.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Arcangeli
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Camilla Brozzi
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Rossella Iacovino
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Cristina Giansanti
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Daniela Belella
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Elisa Marconi
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Silvia Maria Pulitanò
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
| | - Marianna Mazza
- Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.D.K.); (M.M.); (D.J.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marano
- Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.D.K.); (M.M.); (D.J.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensive Care and Perioperative Clinics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Delfina Janiri
- Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.D.K.); (M.M.); (D.J.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.D.K.); (M.M.); (D.J.); (G.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (V.A.); (C.B.); (R.I.); (C.G.); (D.B.); (E.M.); (S.M.P.); (D.P.R.C.)
- Women, Children and Public Health Department, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rohee-Traore A, Kahn A, Khonsari RH, Pham-Dang N, Majoufre-Lefebvre C, Meyer C, Ferri J, Trost O, Poisbleau D, Kimakhe J, Rougeot A, Moret A, Prevost R, Toure G, Hachani M, DeBoutray M, Laure B, Joly A, Kün-Darbois JD. Facial dog bites in children: A public health problem highlighted by COVID-19 lockdown. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2024; 125:101671. [PMID: 37898301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stay-at-home injunction during COVID-19 pandemic led to new dynamics in households and increased the risk of domestic accidents involving pets. The aim of the study was to demonstrate an increase of facial dog bites in children during first lockdown period in France, compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Secondary objective was to investigate the demographics and circumstances in which dog bites occurred. METHODS A retrospective multicentric study was conducted nationwide. Patients under 18 years old managed in fifteen oral and maxillofacial surgery departments for a dog bite were included. RESULTS Eighty-seven patients were included. A significant increase of the number of children managed for facial dog bite was noticed in 2020 (p=0.0005). The male-to-female ratio was significantly reversed in 2020 with more bites in girls than boys (p=0.02). In 2020, children were mostly bitten to cheeks (28.6 %), lips-and-chin region (26.2 %), and eyelids (23.8 %). Severe bites increased in 2020, in comparison with 2018 and 2019. Dog bites occurring while petting or playing significantly increased in 2020 (31 %) (p=0.03). CONCLUSION The process leading to bites is highly dependent on the balance of dog-owner relationship. This was strongly disrupted during COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the increase of dog bites in households. Regarding dog bites, face is the most vulnerable area in children. Its injury has lots of esthetic and functional consequences and maxillofacial surgeons have a key role to play in their prevention. Reminders of some of these management and prevention strategies are presented in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Rohee-Traore
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers 49100, France.
| | - Alexis Kahn
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers 49100, France
| | - Roman-Hossein Khonsari
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, 149 rue de Sèvres, Paris 75015, France
| | - Nathalie Pham-Dang
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, 58 rue Montalembert, Clermont-Ferrand 63000, France
| | - Claire Majoufre-Lefebvre
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Pellegrin University Hospital, Rue de la Pelouse de Douet, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Christophe Meyer
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Besançon University Hospital, 3 boulevard Alexandre Fleming, Besançon 25030, France
| | - Joël Ferri
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Lille University Hospital, 2 avenue Oscar Lambret, Lille 59000, France
| | - Olivier Trost
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Rouen University Hospital, 37 boulevard Gambetta, Rouen 76000, France
| | - David Poisbleau
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Grenoble University Hospital, Avenue des Maquis de Grésivaudan, La Tronche 38700, France
| | - Jihane Kimakhe
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery and stomatology, Vendée Hospital Center, Boulevard Stéphane Moreau, La Roche-sur-Yon, 85000, France
| | - Amélie Rougeot
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Félix Guyon Hospital, La Réunion University Hospital, Allée des Topazes, Saint-Denis 97400, France
| | - Audrey Moret
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery and stomatology, Aix Hospital Center, Avenue des Tamaris, Aix-En-Provence 13100, France
| | - Raphaëlle Prevost
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Ré-Aunis Hospital, 44 rue Moulin des Justices, La Rochelle 17022, France
| | - Gaoussou Toure
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Lucie et Raymond Aubrac Intercommunal Hospital Center, 40 Allée de la Source, Villeneuve Saint Georges 94195, France
| | - Manel Hachani
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Lucie et Raymond Aubrac Intercommunal Hospital Center, 40 Allée de la Source, Villeneuve Saint Georges 94195, France
| | - Marie DeBoutray
- Department of Maxillo-facial surgery, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, 191 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, Montpellier 34295, France
| | - Boris Laure
- Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, Tours University Hospital, Avenue de la République, Chambray-lès-Tours 37170, France
| | - Aline Joly
- Tours University Hospital, Avenue de la République, Chambray-lès-Tours 37170, France
| | - Jean-Daniel Kün-Darbois
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Angers University Hospital, 4 rue Larrey, Angers 49100, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Levy L, Villavisanis DF, Sarosi AJ, Taub PJ. Pediatric Plastic Surgery in the COVID-19 Era. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 92:335-339. [PMID: 38394272 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the healthcare system to adopt novel strategies to treat patients. Pediatric plastic surgeons are uniquely exposed to high rates of infections during examinations and surgeries via aerosol-generating procedures, in part because of the predilection of viral particles for the nasal cavities and pharynx. Telemedicine has emerged as a useful virtual medium for encouraging prolonged patient follow-up while maintaining physical distance. It has proven beneficial in mitigating infection risks while decreasing the financial burden on patients, their families, and healthcare teams. New trends driven by the pandemic added multiple elements to the patient-physician relationship and have left a lasting impact on the field of pediatric plastic surgery in clinical guidelines, surgical care, and patient outcomes. Lessons learned help inform pediatric plastic surgeons on how to reduce future viral infection risk and lead a more appropriately efficient surgical team depending on early triage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lior Levy
- From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brand CL, O’Neill DG, Belshaw Z, Dale FC, Merritt BL, Clover KN, Tay MXM, Pegram CL, Packer RMA. Impacts of Puppy Early Life Experiences, Puppy-Purchasing Practices, and Owner Characteristics on Owner-Reported Problem Behaviours in a UK Pandemic Puppies Cohort at 21 Months of Age. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:336. [PMID: 38275796 PMCID: PMC10812580 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Problem behaviours are a leading cause of relinquishment and euthanasia of young dogs. Previous research has identified associations between owner-reported problem behaviours and risk factors, including how dogs were acquired as puppies, early socialisation experiences, and owners' experience levels. Puppies acquired during the 2020 phase of the UK COVID-19 pandemic ("Pandemic Puppies") were more likely to be exposed to many of these risk factors compared to puppies acquired in 2019; however, consequences for their adult behaviour are, as yet, unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these early-life and provenance-based risk factors, in addition to owner management strategies (including training methods) into early adulthood, upon adult dog behaviour aged 21 months. An online longitudinal cohort study of n = 985 Pandemic Puppies was conducted, recruited from a cohort of n = 4369 puppies originally surveyed in November-December 2020, which included data on how and why they were acquired and their socialisation/habituation experiences <16 weeks of age. Nearly all owners (96.7%) reported that their dog had exhibited at least one problem behaviour up to 21 months of age (median: 5; IQR: 3-7). Almost one third of dogs (30.9%) were reported to have displayed separation-related behaviours. Multivariable linear regression modelling revealed that owners reporting more problem behaviours were more likely to use multiple aversive training techniques (e.g., physical punishment), the use of which was notably high in this population (82.3%) compared to previous studies. Attendance at online puppy classes was the sole protective factor against owner use of aversive training methods. Almost one third of owners had underestimated how hard training their dog would be; this view was more likely among first-time owners. Urgent efforts are required to support this vulnerable population of dogs, including providing owner education regarding humane training techniques, to improve canine emotional health and avoid future relinquishment and/or behavioural euthanasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire L. Brand
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Dan G. O’Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (F.C.D.); (C.L.P.)
| | - Zoe Belshaw
- EviVet Evidence-Based Veterinary Consultancy, Nottingham NG2 5HY, UK;
| | - Fiona C. Dale
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (F.C.D.); (C.L.P.)
| | - Bree L. Merritt
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Kathryn N. Clover
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Mi-Xue Michelle Tay
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| | - Camilla L. Pegram
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (D.G.O.); (F.C.D.); (C.L.P.)
| | - Rowena M. A. Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK; (C.L.B.); (B.L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Habarth-Morales TE, Rios-Diaz AJ, Isch E, Qi L, Ni R, Caterson EJ. Increased Incidence of Suspected Smoke Inhalation During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A National Database Study. J Burn Care Res 2023; 44:945-948. [PMID: 36260537 PMCID: PMC9620764 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irac155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Americans to adapt their daily routines. In 2020, there was a significant increase in house fires according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). The objective of this study was to characterize the changes in suspected smoke inhalations (SSIs) during the first year of the pandemic in the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS). The NEMSIS database was queried for all EMS transports captured between 2017 and 2020. Differences in the incidences of SSIs and fire dispatches in 2020 were estimated using Poisson regression models. There was a 13.4% increase in the incidence of fire dispatches and a 15% increase in SSIs transported in 2020 compared to the previous 3 years. The incidence rate ratio of both fire dispatches (1.271; 95% CI: 1.254-1.288; P < .001) and SSI (1.152; 95% CI: 1.070-1.241; P < .001) was significantly elevated in 2020. The increases in fire dispatches and SSIs observed in the NEMSIS database are in concordance with other literature indicating the increase in fire incidence and morbidity observed during the pandemic. These results should inform fire prevention outreach efforts and resource allocation in burn centers in the event of future pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore E Habarth-Morales
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, United States of America
| | - Arturo J Rios-Diaz
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Emily Isch
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Lucy Qi
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Rose Ni
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Edward J Caterson
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Packer RMA, Brand CL, Belshaw Z, Pegram CL, Dale F, Stevens KB, O'Neill DG. Is UK Puppy Purchasing Suffering a Long COVID Effect? Ongoing Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic upon Puppy Purchase Motivations and Behaviours in 2021. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2186. [PMID: 37443983 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in acquisitions of puppies in the UK, dubbed the "Pandemic Puppy" phenomenon. In addition to an increased demand for puppies, widespread changes to both why and how puppies were purchased during this period compared to pre-pandemic 2019 purchases were documented, many of which threatened canine welfare (e.g., puppies being collected away from their place of birth, without seeing their mother). This study aimed to explore which changes to the pre-purchase and purchase motivations and behaviours of UK owners who purchased a puppy aged <16 weeks in the 2020 phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had persisted into 2021 or had returned to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. An online survey was conducted during February to April 2022 from which 2080 valid responses were analysed ("2021 puppies") and compared with previously collected data from comparable cohorts in 2019 (n = 1148, "2019 puppies") and 2020 (n = 4369, "Pandemic Puppies"). While the majority of the peak pandemic changes documented in 2020 had returned to their 2019 pre-pandemic baseline, others persisted into 2021. Multinomial logistic regression models revealed that the shifts during 2020 towards owners viewing their puppy pre-purchase over video calls or via video recordings/photos rather than in-person and towards collecting their puppy from outside of their breeders' property rather than inside had persisted into 2021 and had not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Year-on-year significant rises in the number of puppies sold with a passport were documented between 2019 and 2021, with over 1 in 10 2021 puppies having been sold with a passport, the figure more than doubling since 2019. An increasing number of these puppies sold with a passport were under the minimum legal age for import at sale. Going forward, these concerning changes require further monitoring and human behaviour change interventions to tackle, including increased buyer awareness but also legislative approaches to prevent the greatest harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowena M A Packer
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Claire L Brand
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Zoe Belshaw
- EviVet Evidence-Based Veterinary Consultancy, Nottingham NG2 5HY, UK
| | - Camilla L Pegram
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Fiona Dale
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Kim B Stevens
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Taylor JQ, Krieger R, Blanco R, Austin TM, Abramowicz S. Pediatric Dog Bites to the Face May Have Been Less Severe During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2023; 81:575-582. [PMID: 36646135 PMCID: PMC9838755 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2022.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric dog bite injuries are one of the most common nonfatal injuries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children stayed at home more than pre-pandemic. The effect of the pandemic on severity of dog bites to the face in children has not been examined. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of dog bite injuries to the face in children during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to the previous year. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted for children with dog bite injuries to the head and neck region who presented to the emergency department at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta from March 2019 to March 2021. The predictor variable was the time of injury, and this was divided into pre-lockdown [control group (March 15, 2019, to March 15, 2020), ie pre-L] and lockdown (March 15, 2019, to March 15, 2020), ie post-L. The outcome variable was severity of dog bite defined as one or more of the following: 1) patient required sedation or general anesthesia for repair, 2) 3 or more regions in the head and neck were involved, and/or 3) surgical consultation took place. The investigators used a two-sample t-test, multivariable linear regression models, and modified analysis of variance and multivariate ANOVA tests to analyze the data (P-value < .05 determined significance). RESULTS 712 children (370 males) with an average age of 6 years old (range, 7 months-18 years) fit the inclusion criteria. There were 381 cases in the pre-L and 331 in the post-L period. There were more cases on average per month pre-L (31.8 cases/month) than post-L (27.6 cases/month) (P-value = .26). There were 183 pre-L surgical consults compared to 75 post-L (48 vs 22.8% of cases, respectively; P-value ≤ .001). There were 52 pre-L cases that had 3 or more sites in the head and neck compared to 28 during the post-L period (P-value = .032). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, there may have been a decrease in the severity of dog bite injuries. This trend may demonstrate a consequence that is not a direct result of the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Q Taylor
- Resident in Training, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Rachel Krieger
- Resident in Training, Pediatrics, Emory Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Reena Blanco
- Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Associate Medical Director of Emergency Department, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Thomas M Austin
- Associate Professor in Anesthesiology and Pediatrics, Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Shelly Abramowicz
- Associate Professor in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatrics, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|