Mammalian bites. Rational approach to management
Hawkins, J.; Paris, P.M.; Stewart, R.D.
Postgraduate Medicine 73(6): 52-64
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-5481 PMID: 6856542 Document Number: 205205
When a mammal's bite breaks the skin, aggressive management is indicated to prevent infection and provide for a good cosmetic and functional result. Vigorous irrigation and thorough debridement play a more important role than antibiotics in preventing infection. Whether antibiotics have prophylactic value in this situation remains controversial, but semisynthetic penicillins or cephalosporins may be worth a try in high-risk cases. Suturing may or may not be advisable, depending on cosmetic considerations and risk of infection. Prophylaxis against tetanus is a must, and hepatitis and rabies prophylaxis may also be necessary in selected cases.