A Study of Morbidity and Burden of Stray Dog Injuries in Children: An Institutional Experience

Abstract

Vinod Raj*, Ram Mohan Shukla, Maneesh Kumar Joleya, Pooja Tiwari, Shashi Shankar Sharma, Ashok K Laddha, Manoj Joshi and Brijesh K Lahoti

Introduction: Dog bite injuries are common in developing countries. Most of the reported cases in western countries are domesticated dog bite injuries while in developing countries it is stray dog attacks that are more common. We aim to study the morbidity due to stray dog injuries, their surgical management in severe cases and suggest preventive strategies to curb this widely prevalent menace.

Methodology: Data all of consecutive cases of dog bite injuries based on selected criteria treated at a tertiary care centre were collected. Emphasis was upon the cases that were severe and requiring surgical repair in operating room. All the data collected were analyzed and evaluated.

Results: Nineteen children with dog bite injuries treated between January 2019 to June 2022 of which nine cases underwent surgical procedures in operating room. All the children were attacked by stray dogs and six of them were attacked by packs of stray dogs. The mean duration of hospitalization was around 6 days with a range of 4 days to 9 days. Days of absenteeism in school ranged from 4 days to 10 days with a mean of 7 days. The economic burden to the family due to the hospitalization ranged between 1200 INR to 2700 INR with a mean of 1800 INR.

Conclusion: Dog bite injuries account for a large portion of preventable injuries in children. Prompt medical attention is required in all the cases. Many may require surgical management specially involving group of dogs. Both active and passive immunization helps prevent wound infection and suture breakdown. Apart from physical, psychological impact they cause economic impact also on the healthcare system as well as the involved families. Much attention is required towards prevention of these injuries. We recommend introduction of awareness programs regarding engaging with dogs in school curriculum. Civic bodies need to bring in stringent protocols for managing stray dogs. We recommend NGO should help set up shelter homes to keep the stray dogs off the streets and help navigate their vaccination drive. Preventing such injuries is the only way to prevent morbidity and burden due to dog bite injuries.