Demographic Study and Management of Dog Bites in Tertiary Hospital in Pune, India

Dog bites constitute a significant public health concern worldwide, leading to injuries, infections, and psychological trauma. This retrospective study analyzes demographic and clinical data from 100 patients who presented with dog bites at Kamala Nehru Hospital in Pune, India, between July 15th, 2024 and August 28th, 2024. The study aimed to identify demographic factors associated with dog bite incidents, assess the severity of bites, and analyze post-treatment complications. Key findings include a bimodal age distribution with peaks among younger and older individuals, a significant proportion of unprovoked attacks, and a notable presence of stray dogs in bite incidents. Furthermore, the study revealed a high prevalence of extremity injuries and a significant proportion of Category II bites, indicating a potential for severe complications. These findings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions, including targeted public health campaigns, improved stray animal management, enhanced community education on responsible pet ownership, and improved access to quality medical care. Keywords: Dog bite, infection, wound, complications, demographics, treatment, public health, epidemiology