Dog and Cat Bite Injuries

Dog and cat bite injuries are often very serious, with a significant risk of infection if not cleaned early.  Dog bites often cause significant crushing and tearing injuries, especially if there is a large dog attacking a smaller one, if multiple bites occur, and/or if there is grabbing and shaking involved. 

What is visible after the altercation may be 'tip of the iceberg' with substantial tissue damage below the surface that needs to be irrigated and drained.  Very serious internal injuries, including ruptured organs, perforated intestines, and internal bleeding, can occur even in the absence of visible external wounds.

Naturally, these wounds are often painful.  Cat versus cat fight wounds often become infected very quickly and can lead to extensive tissue loss, requiring reconstructive surgery;  this is partly because of the nature of microbes in cat mouths, the fact cat teeth penetrate deeply when afflicting a wound, and because their skin tends to seal over the wound quickly. 

Dog and cat bite wounds should be treated as soon after the fact as possible;  treatment usually involves pain managemnt, irrigation and closure of the wounds where appropriate, placement of drains and antibiotics.

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