Description

Animal bite rates vary by species: dogs (60–90%), cats (5–20%), rodents (2–3%), humans (2–3%), and (rarely) other animals, including snakes.

Epidemiology

All ages, but children > adults

Incidence

• 3 to 6 million animal bites per year in the United States; account for 1% of all injury-related ED visits
• 1–2% will require hospital admission, and 20 to 35 victims die from dog bite complications, annually.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

• Dog bites are more common than cat bites; most dog bites are from a known domestic pet; ~90% of cat bites are provoked.
• Human bite wounds are typically incurred by striking another in the mouth with a clenched fist; human bites also occur incidentally (e.g., paronychia, thumb-sucking, or bites to the face, breasts, or genital areas).
• Animal bites can cause tears, punctures, scratches, avulsions, or crush injuries.
• Contamination by oral flora leads to infection.

Risk Factors

• Clenched-fist human bites are frequently associated with the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Patients presenting >8 hours following the bite are at greater risk for infection.

General Prevention

• Instruct about animal hazards.
• Educate pet owners.