Outcomes of Dog Bite Injuries Presenting to the Emergency Department in Erbil, Iraq

Hawree Khairullah  Qader; Rebaz Tahir  Lak; Karwan Yasin  Mohammed

doi:10.56056/amj.2025.346

Authors

Hawree Khairullah Qader M.B.Ch.B,Candidate of Emergency Medicine at KHCMS
Rebaz Tahir Lak M.B.Ch.B, F.I.B.M.S-CM, Assistant Professor in Community Medicine, Head of Clinical Research Center at KHCMS
Karwan Yasin Mohammed M.B.Ch.B, E.B.C.EM, F.K.H.C.M.S-EM, MRCEM-UK Senior Emergency Medicine Specialist and. Director of Erbil Emergency medicine Training Centre-Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56056/amj.2025.346

Keywords:

Dog bite, Rabies, Vaccination, Wound categories

Abstract

Background and objectives: Incidences of dog bites persist as a significant public health and clinical challenge, creating a burden on healthcare resources. The purpose of this study was to investigate the patterns and effects of dog bites.

Methodology:This study was a descriptive cross-sectional analysis conducted using data obtained from emergency departments within government hospitals in Erbil city, namely Rojhalat Emergency Department, Rozhawa Emergency department. The data collection utilized a consecutive sampling method and was carried out from April 1, 2023, to September 1, 2023. Data regarding time of occurrence of bite, type of dog, severity of the wound and vaccination were collected. Patient follow up was done to assess the outcome of each patient.

Results: The majority of dog bitten cases were adults 55 (55%). Male patients accounted for 80% of the cases, with most incidents occurring in urban areas 51 (51%). Most cases were classified as category 2 bites (62%), with timing often between noon and evening (41%). Only 35% received the accurate Anti-rabies dose, and merely 45% completed the full vaccination course. Among those not vaccinated, 12% cited vaccine unavailability at the hospital. Upon follow-up, 95% of cases showed no complications, while approximately 3% presented severe injuries(p>0.05).

Conclusions: The majority of cases were males in urban areas. Treatment mainly comprised anti-rabies medication and antibiotics, yet the accurate anti-rabies dose was received by only a third of patients, and less than half completed the full vaccination course, partly due to vaccine unavailability.

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Author Biography

Rebaz Tahir Lak, M.B.Ch.B, F.I.B.M.S-CM, Assistant Professor in Community Medicine, Head of Clinical Research Center at KHCMS

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