Bites, Dog (non-rabid)

Question 1

What bugs?

Answer 1

Animal bites are also prone to infection by;

• the same organisms as for humans

plus

• Pasteurella multocida.

Question 2

Principles of treatment

Answer 2

Clean and debride the wound with aqueous antiseptic, allowing it to soak for 10–20 mins

Aim for open healing avoid suturing if possible

Apply non-adherent, absorbent dressings (paraffin gauze and Melolin) to absorb the discharge from the wound

Tetanus prophylaxis: immunoglobulin or tetanus toxoid

Inform pt that slow healing and scarring are likely

Question 3

What antibiotics?

Answer 3

Give prophylactic penicillin for a severe or deep bite:

• 1.5 million units of procaine penicillin IM statim

then

• oral penicillin or amoxycillin/clavulanate for 7 d