title: Mammalian bites. Rational approach to management.
abstract: When a mammal's bite breaks the skin, aggressive management is indicated to prevent infection and provide for a good cosmetic and functional result. Vigorous irrigation and thorough debridement play a more important role than antibiotics in preventing infection. Whether antibiotics have prophylactic value in this situation remains controversial, but semisynthetic penicillins or cephalosporins may be worth a try in high-risk cases. Suturing may or may not be advisable, depending on cosmetic considerations and risk of infection. Prophylaxis against tetanus is a must, and hepatitis and rabies prophylaxis may also be necessary in selected cases.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001734:Bites, Human / Q000628:therapy; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004285:Dogs; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008322:Mammals; D008875:Middle Aged; D011818:Rabies / Q000517:prevention & control; D013742:Tetanus / Q000517:prevention & control; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents