Download PDF
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2013; 26(02): 89-93
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-12-01-0013
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Airway injury associated with cervical bite wounds in dogs and cats: 56 cases

C. J. Jordan
1   Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
2   Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, The Granary, Bunstead Barns, Hursley, Winchester, United Kingdom
,
Z. J. Halfacree
1   Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
,
M. S. Tivers
1   Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 21 January 2012

Accepted 13 September 2012

Publication Date:
18 December 2017 (online)

    Permissions and Reprints

Summary

Objective: To investigate the frequency of airway injury and damage to other vital structures associated with cervical bite wounds in dogs and cats and the implications for management and outcome.

Methods: A retrospective search of electronic patient records was used to identify dogs and cats suffering cervical bite wounds that were presented to a large multidisciplinary veterinary hospital over a four year period.

Results: Complete records were available for 55 animals, with one animal suffering two separate injuries. Fourteen animals (25%) had injuries to vital structures, including airway injury in nine (17%) which was surgically confirmed and treated in six (11%). Airway injuries were associated with either subcutaneous or mediastinal emphysema in all affected animals. Other structures injured included the jugular vein, pharynx, oesophagus and spine. Airway injuries were treated with primary repair in five animals and a fasciomuscular patch in one. Temporary tracheostomy was performed in three animals. Median duration of hospitalisation was one day (0-19) with 53 animals (54 cases) (96%) surviving to discharge. Long-term follow-up (16-114 months) revealed that 43 of 49 animals were alive with six that died due to unrelated reasons.

Clinical significance: Cervical bite wounds are associated with significant injury to vital structures. Up to 17% of animals may have injury to their airway. Identification and treatment of airway injury is vital and was associated with an excellent outcome in six animals.

Keywords

Bite wounds - airway - trachea - Larynx - cervical
 

  • References

  • 1 Kolata RJ, Kraut NH, Johnston DE. Patterns of trauma in urban dogs and cats: a study of 1,000 cases. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1974; 164: 499-502.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Holt DE, Griffin G. Bite wounds in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2000; 30: 669-679 viii.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Abello PA BT, Bulkley GB. Shock and Multiple Organ Failure. In: DArmstrong editor. Free Radicals in Diagnostic Medicine. A Systems Approach to , Laboratory Technology. Clinical Correlations and Antioxidant Therapy. (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology) Volume 366. New York: Plenum Press / Springer; 1994. pg. 253.
    Google Scholar
  • 4 Beal A, Cerra F. Multiple organ failure syndrome in the 1990s - systemic inflammatory response and organ dysfunction. J Am Med Assoc 1994; 271: 226-233.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Deitch E. Multiple organ failure - pathophysiology and potential future therapy. Ann Surg 1992; 216: 117-134.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Donnelly S, Robertson C. Mediators, mechanisms and mortality in major trauma. Resuscitation 1994; 28: 87-92.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 St. John RC, Dorinsky PM. An overview of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. J Lab Clin Med 1994; 124: 478-483.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Cowell AK, Penwick RC. Dog bite wounds - A study of 93 cases. Compen Contin Educ Pract Vet 1989; 11: 313-318.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Shamir MH, Leisner S, Klement E. et al. Dog bite wounds in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 196 cases. J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med 2002; 49: 107-112.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Davidson EB. Managing bite wounds in dogs and cats. Part I. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 1998; 20: 811-820.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Wendel Nelson A. Laryngeal Trauma and Stenosis. In: Slatter D. editor. Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2002. pg. 846-847 858-877.
    Google Scholar
  • 12 Hawthorne JC, Blevins WE, Wallace LJ. et al. Cervical vertebral fractures in 56 dogs: a retrospective study. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1999; 35: 135-146.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 McKee WM. Spinal trauma in dogs and cats: a review of 51 cases. Vet Rec 1990; 126: 285-259.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Selcer RR, Bubb WJ, Walker TL. Management of vertebral column fractures in dogs and cats: 211 cases (1977-1985). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1991; 198: 1965-1968.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Chai O, Johnston DE, Shamir MH. Bite wounds involving the spine: characteristics, therapy and outcome in seven cases. Vet J 2008; 175: 259-265.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Pavletic MM. Bite Wound Management in Small Animals. American Animal Hospital Association. Lakewood, CO, USA: Professional Library Services; 1995
    Google Scholar
  • 17 Neal TM, Key JC. Principles of treatment of dog bite wounds. J Am An Hosp Assoc 1976; 12: 657-660.
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Griffin GM, Holt DE. Dog-bite wounds: bacteriology and treatment outcome in 37 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2001; 37: 453-460.
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Waldron DR, Zimmerman-Pope N. Superficial Skin Wounds. In: Slatter D. editor. Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2002. pg. 866-867.
    Google Scholar