Animal and Human Bite Wounds

Abstract

Bite wounds are serious injuries irrespective of the initial degree of trauma caused. One of the contributory factors to poor outcome after minor bites, for example, is commonly a delay in presentation. This is often because injuries may initially seem relatively minor or insignificant. However, the risk of severe infection is high and may result in significant tissue loss or amputation of digits unless treated expediently. Below we highlight important aspects in the management of bites in relation to the most common types of injury, concentrating on presentation, assessment and indications for hospital admission or surgical intervention.