Barking up the wrong tree? A survey of dog bite wound management.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES:Several trials have been published examining the role of antibiotics in dog bite wound management. A meta-analysis of these suggests that there is very little benefit to routine antibiotic prescription in these patients. All papers however incorporated rigorous wound care regimens involving large volume irrigation. METHODS:The authors undertook a telephone survey to investigate wound care and prescribing practice in bite wound management in accident and emergency and minor injury units in the Yorkshire region. RESULTS:Twenty one departments were contacted. Only 10% of departments routinely irrigate these wounds. Antibiotics are prescribed routinely in 71%. CONCLUSIONS:Management of dog bite wounds would not seem to be evidence based in most departments in this sample.

SUBMITTER: Smith MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1726116 | biostudies-literature | 2003 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature