Animal And Human Bites

Human and mammalian bites are a common presentation in emergency departments and urgent care settings.  Dogs, followed by cats, are responsible for most of the bites in the United States.  Bites from other mammals (eg, rodents, primates) are rare but may require special considerations not discussed in this article.  Although many mammalian bites are relatively minor, they necessitate careful attention due to their potential to cause significant morbidity from tissue damage, risk for infection, and the possibility of transmitting diseases such as rabies and tetanus.

Bite wounds inflict puncture injuries with significant crushing and tearing of local tissues.  This trauma disrupts the normal skin barrier, allowing the inoculation of bacteria from the mammal's oral flora deep into the wound.  The polymicrobial nature of these wounds, coupled with a compromised blood supply due to vasospasm and potential devitalized tissue, creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth and infection.