Bite Wounds, Burns and Bullets Flashcards
Most common pathogen cultured from bite wounds in dogs and cats?
Pasteurella multocida
(NAVLE Q)
What communicable diseases can be transmitted in cat-to-cat bites?
FeLV and FIV
must do FeLV/FIV testing on arrival, and again 2 months later due to latency of infection
The canine jaw can generate a force of _______ psi
150 to 450 psi
Puncture wounds on the surface look innocent but extensive damage to underlying tissue is common in bite wounds. This is known as the ___________
Iceberg Effect
Where are large dog breeds more likely to have bite wounds compared to small dogs?
Large dogs = wounds on neck and face
Small dogs = wounds on dorsum, esp caudal to last rib
Do dog or cat bites have a greater risk of infection, and why?
Cat bites - usually a puncture wound inoculating bacteria deep into underlying tissue = greater risk of infection
What is BDLD?
Big dog little dog
- combines lifting and shaking of the skin in addition to crushing and tearing
Avulsion injuries are common in dog bite wounds. What does this mean?
Damage to major direct cutaneous artery and vein with compromise to collateral vascular supply
Bite wounds “declare themselves” 3-7 days following initial bite wound. What does this mean?
Surrounding tissue and skin becomes necrotic following initial wound
(gets worse before getting better)
What is a further complication of cervical bite wounds?
Pneumomediastinum from damage to trachea
- Give O2, pain meds, and stabilize prior to exploring
What is the initial management of a bite wound if the patient is stable for sedation/ anesthesia?
- Aseptically probe (for assessment of dead space)
- Debride wound edges until they bleed
- Wound reconstruction using a penrose drain
Drains are usually NOT necessary for bite wounds located _________
On the head or extremities
What is the initial management of a bite wound located on the head or extremities?
- Aseptically probe (for assessment of dead space)
- Debride wound edges until they bleed
- Use anatomic passive drain by making a stab incision ventral to the wound
- Lavage and close, but keep stab incision open for draining
- Bandage limb (not face)
Why are radiographs taken in patients with bite wounds?
Looking for penetration of thorax or ABD (Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, ascites, herniation, rib fractures)
What is the treatment protocol for a patient presenting with a clear ABD hernia due to a penetrating abdominal wound?
- EMERGENCY
- Perform immediate exploratory laparotomy
(Emergency due to inoculation of bacteria into normally bacteria free abdominal cavity)