ANIMAL BITE

Course Outline

 DEFINITION
 MAMMALIAN BITES
 ANIMAL BITE CATEGORY
 THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

DEFINITION

- Children receive bites from snakes and animals such

as dogs or cats; they receive bites from other
children
- The source of bites needs to be documented as
human bites can also result from sexual abuse.

MAMMALIAN BITES

 Dog bites account for approximately 90% of all bites

inflicted on humans, and children and adolescent are
involved in one owned by the family.
 Cat bites, wild animal bites, and human bites also
constitute a threat, although they are less common
in children.
 Can cause abrasions, lacerations, punctured wounds
and crushing injuries.
 Can cause scarring, disfigurement wound infection
and possible rabies infection.

ANIMAL BITE CATEGORIZATION

I. CATEGORY I - touching or feeding animals, animal

licks on intact skin (no exposure)
II. CATEGORY II - nibbling of uncovered skin, minor
scratches or abrasions without bleeding (exposure)
III. CATEGORY III - single or multiple transdermal bites
or scratches, contamination of mucous membrane or
broken skin with saliva from animal licks, exposures
due to direct contact with bats (severe exposure).

THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

WOUND CARE: soap and water ONLY.

PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT:

Tetanus injection 0.5ml I.M as single dose

Anti-Tetanus Serum (ATS) 1,500 I.U I.M as single dose Anti-

Rabies Vaccine 1ml I.M for 5 doses with schedule (Day 0, 3, 7,
14 and 28th)

Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (ERIG) as single dose I.M. The

dosage that will be given to the patient depends on patient’s
weight. (weight multiply by .2 equals the quantity needed per
ML/CC)

Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG) 300 IU/ml/ampoule

and 1,500 IU/5ml/ampoule given as single dose. Depends on
the weight of the patient. (20 IU/kg)

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