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Mammalian Bites, Pediatric

Erin Dunbar, MD, MSc and Margaret S. Wolff, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

A bite to the human skin and/or subcutaneous tissues by another mammal causing local, and in some cases systemic, effects 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Animal bites

    • Approximate frequency

      • Dogs: 80–90%

      • Cat...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Animal bites

    • Type of animal

    • Apparent health of the animal

    • Provocation for the attack

    • Timing of the bite

    • Location of the bite or bites

    • Availability of animal for undergoing observation (i.e....

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Wound care:

    • Copious irrigation with normal saline or tap water to remove visible debris

    • Do not use antimicrobial solutions to irrigate.

    • Cleanse but do not irrigate puncture woun...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Signs and symptoms of infection

  • All patients with significant bites should receive follow-up 48 hours after bite.

PROGNOSIS

Most injury from animal...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD9

  • 882.0 Open wound of hand except finger(s) alone, without mention of complication

  • 873.40 Open wound of face, unspecified site, without mention of complication

  • 883.0 Open wound of finger(s), wit...

FAQ

  • Q: What are the clinical features of Pasteurella infections?

  • A: Infections caused by Pasteurella tend to progress rapidly, usually over a 12- to 24-hour period, and are characterized by tenderness ...

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