Management of common animal bites in the emergency centre : the most common animal bites to present in emergencies are dog and snake bites

Abstract

In South Africa there are a variety of animals that have the potential to inflict injuries. However, such injuries are relatively rare compared with dog bites, which are by far the most frequently encountered animal bites managed in our emergency centres. Many of the principles in the management of dog bites also apply to bites from other animals. Snake bite victims may require specific medical interventions such as the administration of antivenoms. For these reasons the focus of this article will be on dog bites and snake bites.