Abstract

Background
s: Dog bite is the most common cause of animal bites. This study was conducted to analyze dog bite patients and to compare the differences of groups based on age.
Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to our hospital after dog bite injuries from January 2003 through December 2004. The patients were divided into two groups based on age; group A (children, < 15 years) and group B (adult, ≥ 15 years). Results: A total of 103 patients were enrolled in the study. Dog bite injury frequently occurred to children under 10 years of age (21%). Home was the most common place of dog bite in group A, but public place was the most common in group B (p=0.000). Face was the most frequent body region of dog bite in group A, but hand was the most frequent in group B (p=0.039). Conclusions: From this study, we found statistically significant differences between the groups. Knowledge about age-related characteristics could result in improved prevention and treatment of these injuries.

• Keywords: Dog bite, Age groups, Prevention