DOG AND CAT BITE WOUNDS • Bite wounds from companion animals are common in Australia. Based on cases presented to hospital, the majority of animal bites in Australia are due to dogs (80%) and cats (7%). 1 • In 1997 it was estimated that 2% of the Australian population were bitten annually by dogs, with 100,000 people requiring treatment. 2 More recently, a review of hospitalisation data from 2001 to 2013 reported an average of 2,061 individuals hospitalised each year in Australia for the treatment of dog bites. 3 • The physical consequences of bite wounds result from tissue damage and local infection. Infection following a bite wound is typically polymicrobial and reflects the normal oral microflora of the biting species. Less commonly, infecting organisms may come from the patient’s own skin or environment. • In addition to physical trauma, psychological trauma (including fear, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder) has been reported and are likely under-appreciated in humans following animal bites.
ACAZAP RECOMMENDATIONS
Devices and tools to facilitate safe examination of patients should be used when appropriate
• Given bite wounds can be significantly contaminated, proper wound management is essential to reduce the risk of secondary infection. The affected skin surface should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and irrigated with water or normal saline. • Prompt medical assessment of animal bites is recommended. Veterinarians should seek the advice of a health care professional for wound assessment and management and avoid self-treatment. • Due to the significant risk of severe consequences of a post-bite infection in asplenic patients, any dog or cat bite or scratch in this population should be reviewed by a medical professional.
• While Clostridium tetani is an uncommon component of canine or feline oral microflora, contamination of wounds with environmental bacteria cannot be excluded. Although a rare sequela to dog or cat bites, it is recommended that bite victims are up-to-date with tetanus vaccination (as per the Australian Immunisation Handbook). • Although terrestrial rabies is exotic to Australia, the potential for infection with rabies should be considered in travellers returning from rabies enzootic locations with a history of a dog or cat bite. • Veterinary staff and animal health workers are at increased risk of dog and cat bites through occupational exposure.
CONTENTS
37 Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines
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