Surgical Management of Pediatric Dog Bites: A Systematic Review and Treatment Guideline

Abstract

Introduction

Dog bites are a unique and unusual injury in children, associated with atypical bacterial species, high infection rates, and controversial surgical treatment. Expert recommendations currently guide management and no surgical evidence-based guidelines exist. We conducted a systematic review to answer three management questions: (1) What are the best practices for wound management? (2) In what circumstances should prophylactic antibiotics be administered? (3) In what circumstances should rabies prophylaxis be given?

Methods

A structured review was performed using a keyword search querying “pediatric” “dog bite” “management”. Results were reported according to the PRISMA methodology. The quality of nonrandomized studies was evaluated according to Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Qualitative analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 803 studies were identified and 53 studies were included in the final analysis. Current literature suggests that primary closure of bites which are well irrigated and sharply debrided within 8 h of injury, is not associated with increased infection. While dog bites are associated with an overall high rate of infection (6–25 %), routine antibiotic prophylaxis in low-risk wounds does not lower that risk. Postexposure prophylaxis for rabies is indicated for all dog bites where the rabies status of the dog cannot be determined, or the animal cannot be quarantined for 10 days.

Conclusion

High-quality evidence regarding the surgical management of pediatric dog bites is limited. Trial data have demonstrated improved outcomes in wound healing and infection rates with a focus on copious irrigation and diligent wound debridement, although independent validation is needed.

Level of Evidence

Level II – systematic review.