BMJ Best Practice Podcast Animal bites
9 snips
Jun 3, 2024 Dr. Oliver Spencer discusses the prevalence and seriousness of animal bites, with a focus on dog bites in the UK. The podcast covers assessment processes, wound examination, and personalized management strategies. Tips on preventing animal bites and understanding human bite risks are also highlighted.
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Different Animals Cause Different Wound Patterns
- Dog bites tend to crush and tear tissues while cat bites produce deeper puncture wounds prone to deep infection.
- Bite risk of infection depends on animal type and wound depth, not just wound size.
Examine For Hidden Structural Damage
- Always assess neurovascular and tendon function after a limb bite and check vital signs for systemic signs.
- Get an X-ray if you suspect a broken tooth or foreign body in the wound.
Hidden Injuries Are Common Pitfalls
- Missing underlying tendon or nerve injury is a key diagnostic pitfall, especially in hand bites where visible wounds may be misleading.
- Use a low threshold for exploration or specialist referral if assessment is uncertain.