Dog bites and maxillofacial surgery: what can we do?
The number of injuries caused by dog bites is increasing in the United Kingdom. We review patients admitted with dog bites to a single maxillofacial department in a district general hospital over a 21-month period. Data include patients' characteristics, and the site and severity of injury. The relationship of the victim to the animal and its breed and classification were added where possible. In total, 65 patients, mean age 22 years (range 1-71, median 14) were included. There were 84 wounds, and their site and severity were recorded according to the Lackmann classification. Twelve different breeds of dog were responsible for the bites. An appreciable proportion of those injured were young children. Educational strategies should aim to reduce the incidence of all dog bites, particularly in young children, as their needs after initial treatment are complex. We propose specific strategies to reduce the number of these injuries.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3EX, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Christopher.mannion@nhs.net.
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Mannion
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3EX, United Kingdom. Electronic address: aidengraham@yahoo.com.
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Graham
Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Animal Behaviourist, 16 Church Street, Finedon, Wellingborough, Northants, NN9 5NA, United Kingdom. Electronic address: kendal@kendalshepherd.com.
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Shepherd
Alder Hey Veterinary Hospital, 410 Eaton Road, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 3HG, United Kingdom. Electronic address: greenbergvet@hotmail.com.
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Greenberg
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002610:Cheek / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004285:Dogs / Q000145:classification; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008046:Lip / Q000293:injuries; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000293:injuries; D009666:Nose / Q000293:injuries; D057805:Pets / Q000145:classification; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
Dog Bites; Education and prevention; Professional collaboration