Burden of Paediatric Dog Bite Injuries on the Emergency Department of an English Coastal Town

Background Dog bite injuries can be life threatening and/or life changing for children and their families. The psychological consequences of these injuries are significant yet challenging to quantify. Prevention of these injuries is crucial. We studied the demographics, mechanism of injury and patient outcome in order to identify preventative strategies during emergency department (ED) presentation. Methods A single-centre, retrospective study was conducted in the children's ED of Blackpool Victoria Hospital, United Kingdom. Electronic medical records of patients under 16 years old with dog bite injuries between September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2023 were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, events surrounding dog bite injuries, safeguarding concerns, management and outcome. Correlations of variables were analysed using chi-squared test. Results One hundred and seventy-two cases presented with dog bite injuries. There was a slight male preponderance (94; 54.7%). Injuries were commonly seen in the first decade of life (109; 63.4%). Most of the injuries occurred indoors (132; 76.7%). Clear provocation preceding the bite injuries was documented in 76 children (44.2%). Common sites of bite injuries were face (88; 51.2%) and distal upper extremities (53; 30.8%). Injuries were commonly caused by dogs familiar to their victims (137; 79.7%). Facial injuries were more associated with familiar dogs (p<.00001). Twenty-five (14.5%) children required tertiary care for their bite injuries. There were inconsistencies in antibiotic prescription for dog bite injuries with variations in duration of therapy. Conclusions The burden of dog bite injuries in our ED is evident. Most of the bites were caused by familiar dogs in indoor settings. The study provided incredibly insightful data to guide the development of preventative strategies on a local and national level.