Question 1

dog bite on thumb, from a dog i know, no break to the skin. redness and looks like it may bruise. any risk of infection?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely, but always: A chance on infection ..But if you keep area clean and dry should be ok.

Question 2

good day doctor, i would like to know how is a dog bite managed in an emergency case, i.e what determines if the injured person get one injection or a series of injection?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Every case is individualized. Treatment when needed require the specifics of the case be reviewed. Pet dog with current shots vs stray with no history that ran off. What is the regional rabies activity (monitored by health department). With no specifics provided no firm suggestion for treatment would be reasonable.

Question 3

how do dog bites heal?

Accepted Answer

Healing dog bites: Dog bites are dirty, therefore infection is a problem. Dog bites should be cleaned, debrided and depending on the area of the body left open or loosely stitched. It they are stitched they should be watched closely and if there is any signs of infection the wound should be opened. After a few days when the chance of infection is passed they will heal like any other wound.

Question 4

what should be done for a dog bite?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation: See an emergency room physician or your family physician immediately to be evaluated for any underlying injury to the area and most important to prevent infection. Dog bites can cause serious skin infections known as cellulitis which can be easily prevented with oral antibiotics.

Question 5

i want a cream for dog bites scars?

Accepted Answer

Heal scar first: You have dog bite scars.  First make sure these scars are well healed.  No signs of infection. I encourage patients to wait a least 1year before any revision.  Use a strong sin block on the area to minimize sun damage to the scar.  Over time the scar should minimize.  If it is growing larger see a board certified plastic surgeon.

Question 6

how dangerous are dog bites on the hand?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Dog bites can easily become infected, and hand infections can lead to significant dysfunction.  Get treated immediately.

Question 7

what should i do to treat a dog bite to the hand?

Accepted Answer

Clean well/check dog: Immediately clean the bite with copious amounts of water & antibacterial soap and or peroxide. If the bite pierced the interspaces of your fingers or anywhere near a ligament, have it checked by your pcp or an urgent care clinic tomorrow. If the dog is not up on his shots, you need to contact local authorities about the rabies issue.Some locals require all dog bites be reported.

Question 8

could there be osteomyelitis in arm after dog bite?

Accepted Answer

Yes: But it is extremely unlikely.

Question 9

for how long does a dog bite on the ear take to heal?

Accepted Answer

That depends: Largely on the extent of injury ; if injur occurs.

Question 10

how can i get rid of severe dog bite scares on my arm?

Accepted Answer

Consult plast surgeo: Scars can sometimes be revised to have a better appearance by those with the training & experience to do so. A plastic surgeon with an interest in reconstructive work is often able to evaluate what you have now & let you know if surgery can help.

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Doctor answers about:

Dog bite bruising

A member asked:

Dog bite on thumb, from a dog i know, no break to the skin. redness and looks like it may bruise. any risk of infection?

A member asked:

Good day doctor, i would like to know how is a dog bite managed in an emergency case, i.e what determines if the injured person get one injection or a series of injection?

A member asked:

How do dog bites heal?

A member asked:

What should be done for a dog bite?

A member asked:

I want a cream for dog bites scars?

A member asked:

How dangerous are dog bites on the hand?

A member asked:

What should i do to treat a dog bite to the hand?

A member asked:

Could there be osteomyelitis in arm after dog bite?

A member asked:

For how long does a dog bite on the ear take to heal?

A member asked:

How can i get rid of severe dog bite scares on my arm?

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