Mammalian bites

Background

• 5% of untreated dog bites will become infected (similar to rate of non-bite wounds)
• 80% of untreate cat bites will become nfected

Indications for Primary Closure of Mammalian Bites

1. Face or scalp wound
2. Repair can occur within 6hr of injury (time dependent upon individual judgment)
3. Repair only requires single-layer closure; no devitalized tissue
4. No underlying fracture
5. No systemic immunocompromising conditions

High-Risk Wounds

1. Cat or human
2. Livestock
3. Monkey bites
4. Deep puncture wounds
5. Hand or foot wounds
6. Bites in immunosuppressed patients

Treatment

• Abx
  • Consider for high-risk wounds (see above)
  • Mamallian bites:
    • Amoxicilin-clavulanate 875mg PO BID x 5-7d
  • Fish bites:
    • Fluoroquinolone (for Vibrio coverage)
• Rabies immune globulin
  • Indicated for bites from bats, monkeys, skunks, raccoons, foxes

See Also

• Laceration Repair
• Closed Fist Infection