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ANIMAL BITE
Course Outline
DEFIN ITION
MAMMALIAN BITES
ANIMA L BIT E CATEGORY
THERA PEUTI C MANAGEMENT
DE FI NITIO N
- 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.
MA MM ALI AN B IT ES
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.
AN IM AL BITE C ATE GO RI ZAT IO N
I. CAT EGOR Y I - touching or feeding animals, animal
licks on intact skin (no exposure)
II. CAT EGOR Y II - nibbling of uncovered skin, minor
scratches or abrasions without bleeding (exposure)
III. CAT EGOR Y II I - 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).
TH ER APEUT IC M ANAGE ME NT
WOUND CARE : soap and water ONLY.
PHA RMAC OLOG ICA L MANAGEM ENT:
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)
