Next time, don't tease the dog.

BITE WOUNDS: Although dog bites make the most mutilated bites of the common human bite traumas, specific bacteria and patterns of penetration can make cat and *human* bites more difficult to treat.

Dog bites can transmit the two infecting organisms Pasteuralla Multocide and Staphylococcus Aureus. As the wounds are mostly open tears, they are relatively easy to irrigate and claan without further incisions.

Biting the hand that feeds.

Pasteurella is sensitive to penicillin and tetracycline, and is partially sensitive to erythromycin. Amoxicillin/potassium clavulante is a great antibiotic selection to cover both forms of organisms. Initial wound cultures are extremely helpful in guiding antibiotic selection when first choice drugs seem to fail.

Dog bite in the chest/neck area of a young boy.

Next time you go to pet that seemingly docile mutt, take care; use a closed fist instead of outspread fingers until you know how the dog will react. Always face an attacking dog. Showing fear and running is the worst you can do. When all else fails, kick it in the tender snout area.

Copyright 1995 Spyder Web Services

Frank Krul.