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Bites, Animal and Human

Kellie Wang, PharmD and Brian J. Kimbrell, FACS, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Animal bite rates vary by species: dogs (60–90%), cats (5–20%), rodents (2–3%), humans (2–3%), and (rarely) other animals, including snakes. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

All ages, but children > a...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Detailed history of the incident (provoked or unprovoked), type of animal, site of the bite, animal's vaccine status, whereabouts of animal, and geographic setting

  • Underlying patient m...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Elevate the injured extremity to prevent swelling.

  • Copious irrigation of the wound with normal saline via a catheter tip to reduce risk of infection

  • Complete and submit bite re...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Recheck for infection in 24 to 48 hours.

  • Base revisions of antibiotic therapy on culture results and clinical response.

PATIENT EDUCATION

Educate p...

REFERENCES

1
Baxter M, Denny KJ, Keijzers G. Antibiotic prescribing in patients who presented to the emergency department with dog bites: a descriptive review of current practice. Emerg Med Australas. ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Elcock KL, Reid J, Moncayo-Nieto OL, et al. Biting the hand that feeds you: management of human and animal bites. Injury. 2022;53(2):227–236.  

SEE ALSO

Bartonella Infections; Cellulitis; Rabies 

CODES

ICD10

  • S61.459A Open bite of unspecified hand, initial encounter

  • S01.85XA Open bite of other part of head, initial encounter

  • S20.97XA Other superficial bite of unspecified parts of thorax, initial e...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Cleanse, débride, and culture animal and human bites.

  • Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for human bites and high-risk wounds.

  • Consider rabies and tetanus vaccination.

  • Animal and human...

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