Dog bites
Having your pet attacked by a dog is hugely upsetting. 20 years later, I clearly remember how helpless, angry and frightened I felt when my 12 week old puppy was attacked by 3 large dogs. Amazingly she was completely uninjured. She was, however, left with a lifelong fear of the breed of dog that attacked her. Many animals are not so fortunate and suffer bite wounds.
All dog bites are potentially serious even if the skin is unbroken. Dogs’ teeth are blunt ended and bite with great force, so that as well as making actual bite holes, they crush and bruise the surrounding tissue. Sometimes the skin is left intact but the deeper tissues, such as fat and muscle, may have been bitten through.
Dogs’ teeth are coated with bacteria so bite wounds become infected. Damaged tissue can lose its blood supply and die. After a few days the injury can end up looking far worse than it originally appeared. Major surgery to remove infected and dead tissue may be required. Infection can lead to the injured animal becoming very unwell, developing septicaemia (infection within the blood stream) or even life threatening toxic shock.
If your pet is bitten by a dog it is always wise to seek prompt veterinary attention. If you are in any doubt please phone the practice for advice. Even at weekends or on Bank Holidays a veterinary surgeon and a veterinary nurse are always available at our Glenfield Veterinary Hospital.
All dog bites are very painful. In most cases they are treated with antibiotics and painkillers. Sometimes the wounds need to be clipped up, cleaned and flushed out under general anaesthetic. The sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome will be.
Bite wounds are usually not stitched up, so that infection is not sealed in.
Remember that if you try to break up a dog fight you risk being seriously bitten yourself.
Article by Jane Yeates MRCVS
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