Dog Bite Search Results - Joan Orr - Oct 31 2006
Pubmed Search
Search terms [dog AND bite] OR [do AND attack]
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Included in this list are those citations relevant to dog bite prevention, dog bite incidence,
litigation, effects on victims, child facial surgery
Contact: Joan Orr joanorr@doggonesafe.com 877-350-3232
1. A community approach to dog bite prevention. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;
218(11):1732-49.
2. Dog-bite-related fatalities--United States, 1995-1996. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
1997; 46(21):463-7.
Abstract: From 1979 through 1994, attacks by dogs resulted in 279 deaths of
humans in the United States. Such attacks have prompted widespread review
of existing local and state dangerous-dog laws, including proposals for adoption
of breed-specific restrictions to prevent such episodes. To further characterize
this problem and the involvement of specific breeds, CDC analyzed data from
the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and media accounts in the
NEXIS database. This report presents three recent cases of dog-bite-related
fatalities (DBRFs), summarizes characteristics of such deaths during 19951996, and provides breed-specific data for DBRFs during 1979-1996. The
findings in this report indicate that most DBRFs occurred among children and
suggest approaches for prevention.
3. Dog bite wound factors. Ann Emerg Med 1987; 16(6):724-6.
4. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dog-bite-related fatalities-United States, 1995-1996. JAMA 1997; 278(4):278-9.
5. Nonfatal dog bite-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments--United
States, 2001. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2003; 52(26):605-10.
Abstract: In 1994, the most recent year for which published data are available,
an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occurred in the United States, and
approximately 799,700 persons required medical care. Of an estimated
333,700 patients treated for dog bites in emergency departments (EDs) in
1994, approximately 6,000 (1.8%) were hospitalized. To estimate the number
of nonfatal dog bite-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital EDs, CDC analyzed
data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program
(NEISS-AIP). This report summarizes the results of the analysis, which indicate
that in 2001, an estimated 368,245 persons were treated in U.S. hospital EDs
for nonfatal dog bite-related injuries. Injury rates were highest among children
aged 5-9 years. To reduce the number of dog bite-related injuries, adults and
children should be educated about bite prevention, and persons with canine
pets should practice responsible pet ownership.
6. Beck AM, Loring H, Lockwood R. The ecology of dog bite injury in St. Louis, Missouri.
Public Health Rep 1975; 90(3):262-7.
Abstract: A detailed analysis of all the reported dog bites that occurred over a
2-year period in St. Louis, Mo., provided new insight not only into the severity
of the problem, but also the environmental context for injury. Dog bite is a
major medical problem that affects at least 1 of every 222 people and
specifically 1 of every 83 children, 5 to 9 years old. Nearly 20 percent of all the
children bitten were injured on the head or face, a source of concren and
expense for all concerned. Nearly 10 percent of all bites were classified as
serious. In only 25 percent of all injuries did the victim's behabior involve the
dog at the time ofe victim interacting with the dog's owner. The victim was on
the dog owner's property in about u9 percent of the incidents, and in about 48
percent of the cases the bite took pla-e near the owner's property. Bite
incidents go up whenever the weather is conductive to street activity. More
than 85 percent of all the biting dogs had owners. These results indicate that
society's views of dog bite injury, which tend to minimize the problem and find
fault with the victim, must be re-evaluated. It is time to place less emphasis
on the victim and even the animal and review thae public health implications of
dog ownership
7. Bhanganada K, Wilde H, Sakolsataydorn P, Oonsombat P. Dog-bite injuries at a
Bangkok teaching hospital. Acta Trop 1993; 55(4):249-55.
Abstract: Thailand has a large domestic and stray dog population and Buddhist
cultural beliefs encourage feeding and protection of stray animals. Dog bites are
common injuries encountered in emergency rooms throughout the country. A
prospective study of such bites seen at a teaching hospital in Bangkok revealed
that: (1) dog bites represent 5.3% of injuries seen in the emergency room; (2)
the majority occur on the street, are inflicated by stray dogs and are
interpreted by the victim as unprovoked. Children and teenagers account for
55% of the victims. The lower extremities (54%) and upper extremities (20%)
were the most common sites for bites. 9% of patients were bitten on the face
or head. In addition to pain, risk of infection (approximately 13%) and the
significant cost of caring for these injuries, victims often experienced prolonged
anxiety because of to the generally known risk of rabies in Thailand. Due to the
high cost of imported immune globulins and vaccines, rabies exposures are not
always managed optimally in Asia.
8. Callaham M. Dog bite wounds. JAMA 1980; 244(20):2327-8.
Abstract: Dog bite wounds are a common problem with an infection rate only
slightly higher than that for lacerations in general. Wounds may be sutured
after debridement and thorough irrigation, unless they are located on the hand,
where infection is common. Infection is caused by a variety of organisms. A
penicillinase-resistant penicillin or cephalexin monohydrate is the drug of
choice; studies suggest prophylactic antibiotic therapy may be useful, especially
in high-risk wounds.
9. Chang YF, McMahon JE, Hennon DL, LaPorte RE, Coben JH. Dog bite incidence in the
city of Pittsburgh: a capture-recapture approach. Am J Public Health 1997;
87(10):1703-5.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the number
of dog bite injuries occurring in the city of Pittsburgh in 1993. METHODS: The
capture-recapture method was used, along with long-linear modeling. Three
sources were used to identify victims hospital reports, animal control reports,
and police/victim reports. RESULTS: In 1993, 790 dog bites were reported. The
capture-recapture method estimated that there were 1388 unreported dog
bites, with an estimated incidence rate of 58.9 per 10,000. CONCLUSIONS: Dog
bite is a common our preventable injury. To improve surveillance, the focus
should be on educating the general public about the serious consequences of
dog bite injuries.
10. Cleaveland S, Fevre EM, Kaare M, Coleman PG. Estimating human rabies mortality in
the United Republic of Tanzania from dog bite injuries. Bull World Health Organ
2002; 80(4):304-10.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To make quantitative predictions about the magnitude of
underreporting of human rabies deaths in the United Republic of Tanzania.
METHODS: Human rabies deaths were estimated by using a series of
probability steps to calculate the likelihood of rabies developing after the bite of
a suspected rabid dog, incorporating field data on the incidence of animal bite
injuries, the accuracy of rabies recognition, the distribution of bite wounds, and
post-exposure treatment. FINDINGS: Predicted human rabies mortality was
estimated to be (a) 1499 deaths per year (95% confidence interval 891-2238),
equivalent to an annual incidence of 4.9 (2.9-7.2) deaths/100,000, when active
surveillance data on bite incidence were used, and (b) 193 deaths per year (32409), corresponding to an annual incidence of 0.62 (0.1-1.32) deaths/100,000,
when national bite statistics were used. The annual mean number of rabies
deaths officially recorded for the same period was 10.8 (7.7-14.0).
CONCLUSION: In the United Republic of Tanzania, cases of rabies in humans
have been greatly underreported. Dog bite injuries are an accessible source of
epidemiological data that may be used to estimate the public health burden of
rabies and to monitor epidemiological trends in developing countries.
11. Cornwell JM. Dog bite prevention: responsible pet ownership and animal safety. J Am
Vet Med Assoc 1997; 210(8):1147-8.
12. Dick T. Mutts: baby, does your dog bite? JEMS 2003; 28(3):20.
13. Ferrerio CG. What is your assessment? Dog bite injuries. Pediatr Nurs 1996;
22(4):342-3.
14. Gandhi RR, Liebman MA, Stafford BL, Stafford PW. Dog bite injuries in children: a
preliminary survey. Am Surg 1999; 65(9):863-4.
Abstract: Dog bite injuries in children are a preventable health problem. To
characterize this type of injury, we have undertaken to define demographic
criteria and patterns of injury inflicted by dogs in our pediatric population. A
retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric patients with dog bite
injuries admitted to a Level I pediatric trauma center from January 1986
through June 1998. Patient demographics, canine characteristics, and hospital
patient data were collected and analyzed using the Excel program and
appropriate statistical methodology. There were 67 patient records reviewed.
Thirty-eight (57%) of the patients were male, and 29 (43%) were female.
There were 43 (64%) white children, 22 (33%) African-American children, and
2 (3%) Hispanic children. The average age of the children was 6.2 +/- 4.2
years, with an average weight of 23.3 +/- 13.7 kg. More than half the attacks
occurred in the afternoon and 55 per cent of these attacks were documented as
"unprovoked" attacks. Thirty-one (46%) of these attacks involved family pets,
and 30 (45%) dogs were known to the attacked child. The head and neck was
involved in greater than 67 per cent of these injuries. Pit bulls caused 25 per
cent of the bite injuries. Large dogs were responsible for 88 per cent of the
attacks. Forty-four (66%) patients required operative intervention. Twentyeight of these patients had multiple anatomical areas injured. There were 44
procedures involving the head and neck, 21 involving extremities, and 6
involving other areas of the body. All patients 5 years of age and under had
head and neck injuries. Dog bite injuries requiring admission occur more in
male children. Caucasian and African American children were the majority of
children affected. The children under 5 years of age suffered the most
devastating injuries. More than half of these attacks were not provoked. More
than two-thirds of the injuries to these children involved the head and neck. We
conclude that effective prevention strategies must stress careful supervision of
young children and the family or neighbor's dog, a scenario that may easily
lead to complacency and set the stage for a severe injury.
15. Gislason IL, Call JD. Dog bite in infancy: Trauma and personality development. J Am
Acad Child Psychiatry 1982; 21(2):203-7.
16. Graham WP 3rd, Miller SH, Calabretta AM. Dog bite! Pa Med 1975; 78(5):16.
17. Hannah HW. Dog bite laws. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1971; 159(2):140.
18. Hannah HW. Dog-bite statutes. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1989; 195(7):908-9.
19. Hannah HW. Variations in dog bite statutes. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002; 221(3):364-5.
20. Hannah HW. Veterinarians, dog bite statutes, and liability. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1981;
179(7):662-3.
21. Kneafsey B, Condon KC. Severe dog-bite injuries, introducing the concept of pack
attack: a literature review and seven case reports. Injury 1995; 26(1):37-41.
Abstract: Attacks on humans by dogs acting as a pack, though uncommon,
result in severe, sometimes fatal, injuries. We report seven cases of attacks by
packs of dogs (five on children and two on elderly women) including one fatal
case. The dangers of dogs acting as a pack are highlighted, particularly when
confronted with an unaccompanied child or elderly female. The pattern of
injuries and principles of treatment are discussed.
22. KRUGLICK JS. Dog bite and its complications. Ariz Med 1955; 12(1):13-5.
23. Lackmann GM, Draf W, Isselstein G, Tollner U. Surgical treatment of facial dog bite
injuries in children. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 1992; 20(2):81-6.
Abstract: Although today most injuries of face and head are the result of car
and motorcycle accidents, dog bites are a frequent cause of facial injuries in
children. In recent years, general guidelines have been established concerning
the surgical treatment of facial dog bite injuries in children. We have seen 16
children with such lesions at our hospital in the last 4 years. All children have
been treated surgically, under general anaesthesia, by primary closure of the
wound with interrupted sutures after having adapted the margins by
subcutaneous sutures. In addition, all children have been evaluated 3 months-5
years after the accidents in order to objectify the results of our treatment.
Special attention has been attached to the functional and aesthetic outcome. In
all cases, we saw good-to-excellent results. Based on this experience we
suggest a clinical classification of these injuries in regard to a special
therapeutic regime for each stage. In this way, guidelines may be established
for the surgeon dealing with these injuries.
24. Lackmann GM, Tollner U. More on dog-bite injuries. Pediatrics 1992; 89(2):356-7.
25. Lees W. Dog bite litigation--a matter of commonsense? Can Vet J 1994; 35(11):676.
26. Madhusudana SN. Dog bite cases and its management. J Indian Med Assoc 1988;
86(5):137-8, 140.
27. Marsh L, Langley J, Gauld R. Dog bite injuries. N Z Med J 2004; 117(1201):U1043.
Abstract: AIMS: To describe the extent of the dog bite problem in New Zealand
for the period 1989 to 2001. METHODS: Fatalities and cases requiring publichospital treatment identified from the New Zealand Health Information Service
databases. RESULTS: There was one fatality and 3119 hospitalisations, an
average of 240 per year. Those most at risk were males and children under 9
years of age. The incidence rate of dog bites has continued to increase from
that reported previously. There has been a increase in recent years but it is
difficult to determine whether this is real effect or an artefact of coding.
CONCLUSIONS: Dog bite injuries represent a significant public health problem
in New Zealand. Ongoing monitoring is required to determine if dog control
policies are having the intended effect.
28. Mcheik JN, Vergnes P, Bondonny JM. Treatment of facial dog bite injuries in children: a
retrospective study. J Pediatr Surg 2000; 35(4):580-3.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The authors assess their approach to immediate surgical
repair with general anesthesia of facial dog bites in children over a 10-year
period in their pediatric department. METHODS: The authors reviewed a series
of 100 children (59 boys, 41 girls) who required immediate surgical intervention
during the first hours after admission between 1985 and 1995. Strict
disinfection was always used to preclude the risk of rabies, and parenteral
antibiotherapy was used to avoid aero-anaerobic infections. RESULTS: A total of
68% of children were below 5 years of age. The most frequent injury was to the
midface. Associated injuries or death were not observed. One case of
postoperative wound infection was noted. Four surgical revisions were
performed because of unsightly scars, but in most children the scar had
attenuated 1 year after injury. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of immediate surgical
repair is to obtain a satisfactory cosmetic result and to avoid infections. Better
cosmetic results (4 cases of scar revisions) with a minimal risk of wound
infections (1 cheek wound infection) are obtained.
29. Mills DS, Levine E. The need for a co-ordinated scientific approach to the investigation
of dog bite injuries. Vet J 2006; 172(3):398-9.
30. Mitmoonpitak C, Tepsumethanon V, Raksaket S, Nayuthaya AB, Wilde H. Dog-bite
injuries at the Animal Bite Clinic of the Thai Red Cross Society in Bangkok. J
Med Assoc Thai 2000; 83(12):1458-62.
Abstract: Canine rabies remains a public health problem in Thailand and other
developing countries. This study of animal bites at the Animal Bite Clinic at the
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute revealed that: (1) The majority of patients
were bitten by dogs and the time of the attack was mostly during the day. (2)
School-aged children are at the highest risk for animal bites. (3) The most
common site of injury are the legs and foot (64.2%), with the second most
common site being the hands and fingers (21.2%). (4) Only 48 per cent of
patients received rabies vaccine 1-2 days after being exposed. There was
considerable delay before the rest received treatment. Solving Thailand' s
rabies problem depends on control of canine rabies and educational campaigns.
Public education must be an integral part of efforts to decrease the incidence of
animal bites and assurance that they are managed properly.
31. Miyata N, Abe S. Dog-bite injuries to the breast in children: deformities to secondary
sex characteristics and their repair in an extended follow-up. Ann Plast Surg
1999; 43(5):542-5.
Abstract: Injuries from dog bites are not uncommon among children. However,
the site of the wound is rarely on the breast. The authors report two cases of
nipple-areolar injuries caused by dog bites. The affected children were followed
during the development of secondary sex characteristics. In one child, this
follow-up period was more than 10 years. In treating such wounds to the
breast, subsequent growth of the nipple-areolar complex should be considered,
particularly in girls because of the area's importance as a secondary sex
characteristic.
32. Monti DJ. Dog bite prevention campaign: nipping a problem in the bud. J Am Vet Med
Assoc 1998; 212(9):1345.
33. Nixon J, Pearn J, McGarn F. Dog bite injuries to children: potential rabies threat to
Australia. Med J Aust 1980; 1(4):175-6.
Abstract: A consecutive series of 800 mammalian bites is reported from The
Canberra Hospital. Of these, 66% were dog bites; 119 children were bitten by
dogs (requiring hospital attention) over a 30-month period, giving an average
dog-bite rate for the total population of 184 per 100,000 per year. One dog in
38 causes an injury requiring hospital attention. Thirty-seven per cent of the
119 children were bitten on the face and head, the modal age for this type of
injury being three years. Ten per cent of cases required sutures. Each year, one
person in 540 suffers from a dog-bite requiring hospital attention. If rabies
became endemic, 26,000 antirabies immunization regimens would have to be
undertaken annually for dog-bite alone, and a total of 38,000 annually for
mammalian bites of all types.
34. O'Brien CM, Richard B. A surgeon's duty in dog bite prevention in children. Ann Plast
Surg 2006; 56(1):106-7.
35. Ozanne-Smith J, Ashby K, Stathakis VZ. Dog bite and injury prevention--analysis,
critical review, and research agenda. Inj Prev 2001; 7(4):321-6.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To analyze Australian dog bite injury data and make
international comparisons; to review risk and protective factors relating to the
dog, injured person, and environment; and to recommend action for prevention
and research. METHODS: Australian dog bite injury data, complemented by
detailed Victorian and regional data from routine health records and vital
statistics, were analyzed to determine incidence, severity, nature,
circumstances, and trends. International comparison data were extracted from
published reports. Risk and protective factor studies were selected for review
from electronic and bibliographic searches where data were recent, sample
sizes substantial, and bias limited. RESULTS: The Australian dog bite death rate
(0.004/100,000) is lower than both the United States (0.05-0.07/100,000) and
Canadian rates (0.007/100,000). Victorian hospitalized trend rates were stable
between 1987 and 1998, but there was a decline for children <5 years
(p=0.019) corresponding with a reduction in dog ownership. Children 0-4 years
have the highest rate of serious injury, particularly facial. Adults have longer
hospitalizations, most frequently for upper extremity injury. Risk factors
include: child, males, households with dogs, certain breeds, male dogs, home
location, and leashed dog. CONCLUSIONS: Dog bite rates are high and it may
therefore be assumed that current preventative interventions are inadequate.
Responsible dog ownership, including separating young children from dogs,
avoiding high risk dogs, neutering, regulatory enforcement, and standardized
monitoring of bite rates are required. Controlled investigations of further risk
and protective factors, and validated methods of breed identification, are
needed.
36. Quinlan KP, Sacks JJ. Hospitalizations for dog bite injuries. JAMA 1999; 281(3):232-3.
37. Rieck D. Dog bite prevention from animal control's perspective. J Am Vet Med Assoc
1997; 210(8):1145-6.
38. Sacks JJ, Sattin RW, Bonzo SE. Dog bite-related fatalities from 1979 through 1988.
JAMA 1989; 262(11):1489-92.
Abstract: By combining data from the National Center for Health Statistics and
computerized searching of news stories, we identified 157 dog bite-related
fatalities that occurred in the United States from 1979 through 1988. Of the
157 deaths, 70% occurred among children who were less than 10 years of age.
The death rate for neonates was almost 370 times that of adults who were 30
to 49 years of age. Pit bull breeds were involved in 42 (41.6%) of 101 deaths
where dog breed was reported, almost three times more than German
shepherds, the next most commonly reported breed. The proportion of deaths
attributable to pit bulls increased from 20% in 1979 and 1980 to 62% in 1987
and 1988. Pit bull attacks were almost twice as likely to be caused by strays as
attacks by other breeds. Extrapolated estimates suggest 183 to 204 dog biterelated fatalities from 1979 through 1988. To prevent such deaths, we
recommend stronger animal control laws, public education regarding dog bites,
and more responsible dog ownership. Parents and physicians should be aware
that infants left alone with a dog may be at risk of death.
39. Sehgal S, Bhattacharya D, Bhardwaj M, Parsi V. Studies on victims of bite by a dog in
Delhi. Indian J Public Health 1994; 38(1):18-21.
Abstract: Ninety persons were bitten by a single rabid dog on 23rd January,
1992 in Central Delhi area. All patients were given immediate first-aid,
prophylactic tetanus toxoid injection and post-exposure antirabies treatment
i.e., hyperimmune antirabies serum (ARS) and antirabies vaccination in
different Hospitals of Delhi. Fifteen (15) patients received tissue culture
antirabies vaccine (Rabipur or Verorab) and rest 75 patients were given
nervous tissue vaccine. ARS was given to all patients as all had severe (ClassIII) bite. Altogether there were 76 male and 14 female and 80 adult and 10
children bitten by the dog. All patients well tolerated the vaccines excepting a
few, who developed very minor side-effects. Investigation regarding postexposure antirabies antibody assessment were carried out in twenty-four
patients at WHO Collaborative Centre for Rabies. Epidemiology for South-east
Asia at National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Delhi. Paired blood
samples were obtained from these patients and all of them had protective
antibody titre (0.5 IU/ml) with mean titre of 1.81 IU/ml and 2.11 IU/ml in first
and second samples, respectively. All patients were followed after six months
and there were no death or vaccine failure reported.
40. Van Damme PA. Surgical treatment of facial dog bite injuries in children. J
Craniomaxillofac Surg 1992; 20(8):362; author reply 363.
41. Weiss HB, Friedman DI, Coben JH. Incidence of dog bite injuries treated in emergency
departments. JAMA 1998; 279(1):51-3.
Abstract: CONTEXT: Dog bites that result in injuries occur frequently, but how
frequently dog bite injuries necessitate medical attention at a hospital or
hospital admission is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence and
characteristics of dog bite injuries treated in US emergency departments (EDs).
DESIGN: Emergency department survey from the National Center for Health
Statistics National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for 1992 to 1994.
PATIENTS: National probability sample of patients visiting EDs. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURE: Incidence of dog bites treated in EDs, defined as a cause of injury
recorded as the E-code E906.0. RESULTS: The 3-year annualized, adjusted,
and weighted estimate of new dog bite-related injury visits to US EDs was
333687, a rate of 12.9 per 10000 persons (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.515.4). This represents approximately 914 new dog bite injuries requiring ED
visits per day. The median age of patients bitten was 15 years, with children,
especially boys aged 5 to 9 years, having the highest incidence rate (60.7 per
10000 persons for boys aged 5 to 9 years). Children seen in EDs were more
likely than older persons to be bitten on the face, neck, and head (73% vs
30%). We estimated that for each US dog bite fatality there are about 670
hospitalizations and 16000 ED visits. CONCLUSIONS: Dog bite injuries are an
important source of injury in the US population, especially among children.
Improved surveillance and prevention of dog bite-related injuries, particularly
among children, are needed.
42. Wilde H, Phaosavasdi S, Taneepanichskul S, Tannirandorn Y, Pruksapong C. A severe
dog bite in a small child. (How can it become an ethical dilemma?). J Med Assoc
Thai 2001; 84(5):751-3.
43. Wise J, Kraus D, Goldberg LL. Dog-bite syndrome: an approach to its management.
Can J Ophthalmol 1982; 17(6):262-65.
Abstract: Five cases of the dog-bite syndrome--palsy of the superior oblique
muscle and a paradoxic inability to elevate the eye in adduction--are described.
It is suggested that no treatment be given in the acute phase unless there are
symptoms in the primary position, in which case peritrochlear injection of a
depot steroid within 2 weeks of the injury may be of benefit. If after several
months the ocular motility is still significantly restricted an attempt can be
made to remove local scar tissue, with insertion of anchor sutures; recession of
the inferior rectus of the fellow eye with adjustable sutures should correct
residual symptomatic hypertropia.
Additional refs:
Johannes Schalamon, Herwig Ainoedhofer, Georg Singer, Thomas Petnehazy, Johannes
Mayr, Katalin Kiss, and Michael E. Höllwarth Analysis of Dog Bites in Children
Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics, Mar 2006; 117: e374 - e379.