Dog bites in Tea Tree Gully

Abstract

Dog bite injury is a common reason for presentation to emergency departments. However the nature of this problem in Australia has not been closely studied and a number of unresolved questions remain regarding management options. This prospective study of 101 cases was undertaken to collect demographic information about victims and assailants, to describe the spectrum of injury seen and to report outcome following a standard management protocol. In common with other studies, young males were bitten most frequently, usually by German Shepherds, Heelers and Terriers. Nearly half (48%) of the facial injuries occurred in children under 10 years old. The infection rate in this study, using wound c..