Bite wounds management in canine patients: medical and surgical approach and main complications

Abstract

Accidental wounds, including bite wounds in dogs and cats, accounts for a substantial part of the small veterinarian’s caseload Objective: The aim of this study is to present a protocol guide for the best treatment of bite wounds in order to improve the management of this critical type of injuries based in a review of nine clinical cases. Material and Methods: We present 9 clinical cases. 8 with surgical reconstruction and all with cleaning and debridement. All the management and evolution of them are being described. Results: All the animals healed in optimal conditions and no infection or inflamation was seen in any of the cases. From the study of this work a guide protocol has been established in order to help to improve the management of this type of injures. Conclusions: Overpopulation brings accidental wounds in dogs and cats. This fact affects particularly in shelters facilities, because in our case it is overcrowded. This work emphasizes that it is imperative the lavage and debridement of a bite wound and it should never be closed by surgical suture unless vital organs are affected or exposed and in those cases a drainage system should always be placed. Finally, Pasteurella is the main infectious agent that should be taken into consideration,