Analysis of pediatric facial dog bites.
The aim of this study was to characterize and report the epidemiological data regarding pediatric facial dog bites. For this study, a retrospective chart review was used. This study was performed at a large tertiary pediatric hospital. All children younger than 18 years who sought medical attention after a facial dog bite between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2008, were included. Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. A total of 537 children were identified. The average age was 4.59 ± 3.36 years, with a slight male preponderance (52.0%). The majority of dog bites occurred in children 5 years of age or younger (68.0%). Almost all (89.8%) of the dogs were known to the children. When circumstances surrounding the bite were documented, over half (53.2%) of the cases were provoked. The most common breeds were mixed breed (23.0%), Labrador retriever (13.7%), Rottweiler (4.9%), and German shepherd (4.4%). Inpatient treatment was required in 121 (22.5%) patients with an average length of stay of 2.96 ± 2.77 days. Children 5 years or younger were more likely to be hospitalized than older children. Children 5 years old and younger are at high risk for being bitten in the face by a familiar dog and are more likely to require hospitalization than older children. Certain dog breeds are more likely to bite, and there is often a history of provocation. There is a tremendous financial and psychosocial burden associated with dog bites, and prevention strategies should focus on education with the aid of public policies and better documentation and reporting systems.
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado Denver.
Henry H
HH
Chen
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado Denver.
Anna T
AT
Neumeier
Department of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Colorado Denver ; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado.
Brett W
BW
Davies
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado Denver ; Department of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Colorado Denver ; Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado.
Vikram D
VD
Durairaj
dog bite; facial dog bite; pediatric dog bite