Pediatric Cranial Dog Bite Injuries: More than Meets the Eye

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2022 Aug;6(3):259-261. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2022.4.56178.

Abstract

Case presentation: A six-month-old female presented to a community hospital with small lacerations to the scalp, face, and left eyelid from a dog bite injury. Computed tomography imaging revealed an impacted right frontal bone fracture and left superior orbital fracture, prompting transfer, neurosurgical repair, and infectious disease management of the injury.

Discussion: This report highlights the importance of having a high level of suspicion for deeper injury in pediatric and especially infant craniofacial dog bites, obtaining radiographic imaging, and initiating appropriate multidisciplinary triage to prevent life-threatening infection and complications.