An Up to Date Guideline for Management and Prevention of Dog and Cat Bite – A Literature Review

Background: The prevalence of animal bites is high, of which the vast majority are from cats’ and dogs’. There is a wide variation in severity of such bites from mild to lethal. The evidence in the literature with respect to management does not provide a solid ground on which such cases could be managed. Dog and Cat bites are more common and can have dramatic consequences especially for children.

Objective: This project is to identify current evidence in the literature on epidemiology, management and prevention of dog and cat bites. This review is aimed at clinicians who deal with dog and cat bites. The basic principles of wound management and indications for use of antimicrobials, tetanus and rabies prophylaxis as well as preventive education are the primary focus of this article to help the clinicians. This aims at updating the management of patients who sustain a dog or a cat bite.

Materials and Methods: A literature review on the management of animal bites was performed. UK NICE guidelines, University of Texas bites management guidelines, WHO rabies prophylaxis protocol, UK Green Book and infectious diseases text books also reviewed.

Results: The available data in the literature suggest that appropriate wound management is the most important factor for prevention of infection in dog and cat bites. Antibiotic prophylaxis should only be given in high-risk wounds and primary closure should be performed in low-risk wounds.

Conclusions: Proper assessment and wound care are the prime consideration for dog and cat bites management.