Symptoms
Bite wounds manifest as painful mechanical damage to the skin and underlying tissues, for example, tendons, muscles, and nerves. They often occur on the arms and hands and can be potentially dangerous and fatal. A major concern with a bite wound is the transmission of infectious diseases. Pathogens involved include , , , , rabies virus (rabies), hepatitis viruses, , and many others. Bite injuries are common. It is estimated that one in two people will be bitten once during their lifetime.
Causes
The vast majority of bite wounds are caused by dogs, and often the dog is already known to the patient. In addition, depending on the region, the injuries can also be inflicted by cats, rats, mice, squirrels, foxes, bats, raccoons, monkeys, horses, pigs and humans, among others. Children are particularly at risk. Animals bite, among other reasons, because they feel threatened and want to defend their territory.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made in medical treatment. During the patient interview, it is necessary to find out, among other things, which animal bit and whether it may have been a sick animal. Individual risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and allergies are also recorded.
Treatment
Bite wounds inflicted by humans or animals should always be treated by a physician because of the risk of infection. This involves stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound properly with Ringer’s solution, for example, and performing debridement and disinfection. Due to the risk of infection, not all wounds are closed immediately. Depending on the extent and localization, plastic surgery may be required. Medications used include the following:
- Analgesics, sedatives and anesthetics.
- Antibiotics, e.g. amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, tetracyclines, macrolides.
- Tetanus vaccination
- Rabies prophylaxis: passive and active immunization against rabies.
- Antiviralia
Prevention of dog bites
- When buying a dog, pay attention to the breed. Some breeds of dogs, such as the Pit Bull Terrier, the Doberman, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler are considered particularly aggressive. Buy dogs as young as possible and not adult.
- Keep dogs on a leash.
- Do not run away from aggressive dogs, but retreat slowly, never looking the dog directly in the eye. Distract the dog with a throwing object. In case of acute danger, tie a jacket or sweater around the hand, in which the dog can bite. Escape at heights, for example over roofs and cars. Seek out an enclosed space (for example, car).
- Dogs to greet the hands do not stretch out.
