Abstract

Dr. Aabid Raza Ullah*, Dr. Lariab Fatima Dr. Saba Maryam

ABSTRACT

Background: Animal injuries are common throughout the world. Dog bite injuries stand at the top. Children are the most common victims of dog bites due to limited self-protection and more outdoor activities and mischievous behavior. Objectives: To determine the outcome of dog bite in children. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study that was performed on patients referred or brought to our department directly with serious dog bite injuries. Overall, 26 patients were enrolled during the period of September 2017 to October 2019, admitted in the department of pediatric surgery. Wound management including irrigation, and debridement were done. Antibiotics were given and anti-rabies vaccination was carried out. Skin grafting was done in 4 patients who got full thickness skin loss from scalp due to degloving injury. The outcome was noted. Results: Results were compiled on 26 patients. Most of the patients were males (69.2%), and 5-10 years was the commonest age group, and 46.5% of the patients were having 3-5 wounds and head and neck was the most common area injured, 14 (53.84%) patients presented with punctured and lacerated wounds. Management varied case to case. One patient died due to septicemia. Conclusion: Most of the children with dog bite have age less than 10 years and few results in complications as well. Children should be educated about dog behavior. There should be strict legislation about dog keeping and management including antirabies vaccination. More and more dog centres should be established and stray dogs wiped out.