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Objectives: This study focuses on the epidemiological profile, mechanism, circumstances and management of dog bite injuries in a state of a developing country.
Methods: One hundred twenty eight patients of dog bite injuries were studied over a period of 2½ years (between January 2011 to June 2013). A detailed history about the circumstances of the event was taken and thorough examination of the patients was performed. This was followed by proper and timely treatment of the patients as per the standard management guidelines.
Results: A total of 128 patients (mean age 13.6 years) of dog bites accounted for 1% of all trauma cases until presentation. Most of the patients (52.3%) were in the age group of 1-6 years. Males accounted for 66.4% of patients. Most of the dog bite incidents occurred during December to March. 65.5% patients were from rural background. Face was the commonest affected organ by the dog bite and was the affected site in 45.3% children aged between 1-6 years. Limbs were most commonly affected in older age group. Most of the dog bite incidents were unprovoked. Majority of the patients (96.1%) had around 1-5 dog bite wounds all over the body. Lacerated wounds were the most common type of wounds. 84.4% patients had WHO class III wounds. In 70.3% of patients, debridement with primary repair of the wound was done with excellent cosmetic results and minimal complication rate.
Conclusion: Dog bite victims mostly are children. Majority are nonfatal. Dog bite incidents can be decreased or prevented if the number of street dogs in our state is reduced, as this being the prime reason for the increasing dog bite incidents. Proper wound management results in excellent cosmetic outcome especially in children.
