A Stich in Time Saves Nine: Primary Closure in Facial Dog Bite Injuries - A Case Series

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a case series of facial dog bites injuries, its management and emphasize the importance of primary closure. Animal bite injuries, unlike wounds caused by assaults and accidents, are more distinctive, as they cause deep puncture wounds. Such wounds are inoculated with pathogenic bacteria from the saliva of the attacking dog due to the penetration of tissue by excessive bite force. Hence, these wounds are at a high risk of infection. The key point in its management is thorough cleansing, meticulous but not overzealous debridement, followed by rabies immunization, tetanus immunization, primary closure, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. A retrospective study of 27 cases that underwent primary repair or reconstruction after wound toilet, debridement and administration of prophylactic antibiotics has been presented.