A dog bite on a human

Currently, there are a large number of infectious diseases (zoonoses) that are transmitted from humans to animals. Such diseases include, for example, rabies, leptospirosis, leishmaniasis, various ornithoses, tetanus. For example, a simple dog bite of a person can lead to various pathologies. One of the most dangerous consequences is infection of a person with rabies (if the dog was infected). [ 1 ]

How dangerous is a dog bite for a person?

The consequences of a dog bite can be unpredictable. A bite from a wild dog is especially dangerous for a person. The stronger the bite, the greater the likelihood of transmission of an infection from the dog. Usually, the saliva of a domestic dog is bactericidal and has a disinfectant and wound-healing effect. But a wild or stray dog can be infected with many infectious diseases, including pathogenic for humans. Most often, rabies is transmitted from a dog. [ 2 ]

Symptoms dog bite

It is usually impossible not to notice a dog bite, as it is quite noticeable. You can feel both the pressure of the jaws and the direct damage to the skin caused by the teeth and fangs. Particularly noticeable is the rupture of the skin surface, or the development of a hematoma, subcutaneous bleeding. Almost always, bites are accompanied by pain, burning, the affected area and the skin around it burns and itches. Redness, swelling, and edema of the surrounding soft tissues may develop around it. It is almost impossible not to feel a dog bite.

Rabies in humans after a dog bite

A dog bite (if it is infected) can lead to the development of rabies in humans. In humans, rabies is severe and often fatal. Symptoms develop according to the same principles as in animals.

It is transmitted from a dog through saliva. The most severe and final manifestation of rabies is the stage at which photophobia and hydrophobia develop. Movements become uncontrollable and aggressive. As a rule, this indicates the onset of a severe stage, after which death occurs, and nothing can be done. [ 3 ]

The causative agent is a virus belonging to the Lysavirus family. From the site of infection, the virus spreads along neurogenic pathways: the virus gradually spreads towards the brain. The peculiarity of this disease is that a dominant is formed in the brain of an affected person or animal, which is represented by the hypothalamus, medulla oblongata and subcortical structures. They are distinguished by increased excitability and are characterized by the fact that they block impulses from all other areas. Accordingly, no matter what signal enters the brain, only the active dominant reacts to it.

It is from this dominant that the response signal comes in the future, which manifests itself in the form of motor hyperactivity, uncontrolled movements, convulsions, excessive aggressiveness. The reactivity and susceptibility of the entire organism gradually increases, at the same time, its endurance, resistance decreases, the immune system decreases, the hormonal background is disrupted.

It has also been established that there are a number of other manifestations of the disease that are in no way associated with any specific location of the virus. [ 4 ]

When analyzing the pathological picture of rabies pathology, a peculiar picture appears. It is worth noting that there are individual cases in which no pathology is noted at autopsy. No matter how strange it may sound, the absence of any changes at autopsy is also an important diagnostic sign of rabies. Additionally, it is necessary to take into account clinical data and anamnesis.

The results of an external examination of an infected patient indicate that all visible mucous membranes acquire a blue tint. This is especially pronounced in the area of the eyes, lips, mouth and nasal cavity. The skin becomes quite dry and is highly sensitive. One of the main signs of rabies is exhaustion, dry mouth, and increased weakness. It is worth noting that bites, scratches, and other injuries are often found on the surface of the skin. Many wounds, scratches, and abrasions are found on the body.

The virus can be found in fairly large quantities in the salivary glands, as well as in the secretions of the eyes, mouth and nose. The virus is often found in lung tissue, mucous membranes, liver, kidneys, uterus, heart and skeletal muscles. The virus is also found in large quantities in the salivary glands, where it not only accumulates but also reproduces. This is what causes the infectivity of saliva in patients suffering from rabies. A large number of viruses accumulate in the nerve elements, which is why neuroinflammatory and degenerative processes often develop. [ 5 ]

The clinical picture is mainly represented by an increase in body temperature. The secretion of mucus and saliva increases significantly, there is increased sweating, rapid heartbeat, and the level of glucose in the blood increases. The disease often ends in death as a result of progressive paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

Symptoms of rabies in humans after a dog bite

The symptoms of rabies are very specific and easy to distinguish. In addition, they appear in humans some time after a dog bite. The disease occurs in several stages. First, the incubation period lasts for 3-4 weeks. The virus has entered the body, but it remains either directly at the site of the bite, or accumulates in the nearest lymph nodes and vessels, or slowly moves towards the brain. The main manifestations of the disease begin when the virus has entered the brain and began to multiply there intensively.

The main reproduction of the virus occurs in the brain and spinal cord, where it also accumulates. Numerous attempts have been made to identify the connection between the morphological changes that the virus undergoes and the clinical manifestations of the disease. For example, disorders of the somatic nervous system, such as paralysis, paresis, hemiparesis, are often associated with damage to the brain and spinal cord by the virus.

The duration is determined primarily by how far the bite is from the brain. The closer to the brain, the faster the main symptoms of rabies appear. Much also depends on the severity of the bites, the amount of virus that has entered the body, its activity, virulence, as well as individual resistance, the state of the immune system, the general resistance and endurance of the body of the bitten person or animal.

The disease progresses quickly and develops rapidly. The clinical picture is similar in all animal species. Usually, rabies progresses relatively quietly, in a paralytic form. The violent form is observed extremely rarely. In the quiet form, the main course of the disease immediately begins after the incubation period. This stage usually manifests itself as paralysis and ends in death. Most often, death occurs from paralysis of the respiratory muscles. [ 6 ]

In the violent form, several stages are observed. Thus, after the incubation period, which can be much longer, the prodromal stage occurs, which is the initial stage of the pathology. The duration of this stage varies from 12 hours to 3-4 days. First of all, the person's condition, behavior, and appearance change dramatically. The person usually has a sad, depressed appearance. Due to photophobia, he begins to hide in dark places, huddling in corners.

Gradually, as the virus multiplies, the disease progresses, anxiety and fear increase. It may have increased excitability, motor activity increases. The person behaves inappropriately. For example, he often gasps for air, as if trying to catch a fly, flinches from light touches, becomes overly sensitive. The voice often becomes hoarse, timidity gradually increases, and at the same time, aggressiveness. The first signs of paralysis of the respiratory and chewing muscles appear, which manifests itself as a cough, spasm in the throat, hoarseness and congestion in the throat, difficulty swallowing. Often there is an impression that the person is suffocating. Salivation begins. The appearance of these signs indicates the transition of the disease to the next stage.

The next stage is the stage of excitement, which lasts on average 3-4 days. At this stage, a sharp feeling of fear is noted, the person becomes aggressive, timid. A characteristic feature is the desire to run away, to move a lot and randomly, the desire to hide, to be alone. Strabismus is clearly expressed. The jaw hangs down, as a result of which the ability to eat and drink is difficult.

There are attacks of rage, violence, which alternate with stages of a depressed, suppressed state. Usually, a depressed state occurs when a person, exhausted, lies motionless on the floor. At this time, he can no longer eat or drink. Convulsions are noted. Muscle paralysis, including smooth muscles, may develop. Each attack is often accompanied by convulsions, paralysis and loss of voice. The lower jaw hangs down more and more. This stage lasts 1-4 days and ends in death. Death often occurs from paralysis of the respiratory center. The limbs and torso are also paralyzed. The most dangerous condition is paralysis of the smooth muscles that form the internal organs. On average, it is believed that the disease lasts from 8 to 11 days. But in fact, death usually occurs on the 3rd or 4th day. [ 7 ]

Symptoms of tetanus in humans after a dog bite

Tetanus after a dog bite is rare. More precisely, it is not a direct consequence of the bite, but occurs when an infection enters the body. As a rule, the infection enters the body through damage to the skin, wound surface, micro- and macrodamage, any violation of the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes. In order to prevent the development of tetanus symptoms, immediately after a dog bite, it is necessary to treat the damaged areas.

In humans, tetanus usually develops when a bacterial infection, which is common in the environment, especially in the soil, penetrates. The symptoms are redness, swelling in the bite area, irritation. Sometimes the bite site swells, and an inflammatory, purulent-septic process develops.

Complications and consequences

One of the most dangerous consequences of a dog bite is the transmission of an infectious disease to a person. Most often, you can become infected with rabies from a dog. There is also a high risk of developing a bacterial infection if any contamination gets into the wound. Often, when an infection gets in, an inflammatory process develops, purulent-septic inflammation with subsequent necrosis and death of the affected areas. Bacteremia and sepsis often develop with further infection entering the bloodstream, forming new foci of infection. [ 8 ]

Treatment dog bite

Dog bites are treated with a special anti-rabies serum, which is injected into the victim's body. The doctor (traumatologist, infectious disease specialist) will tell you what to treat with. Usually, the bite site is first treated independently with various antiseptics, then a special anti-rabies serum is injected in a medical facility. Then further restorative treatment is carried out at home, aimed at healing the damage, eliminating the scar. In this case, various products prescribed by the doctor are used: ointments, lotions, balms. Homeopathic remedies and ointments prepared according to folk recipes are used.

First aid for a bite from a domestic or wild dog

If a dog bites, regardless of whether it is domestic or wild, a person needs first aid, and the sooner it is provided, the more favorable the consequences will be. The first thing to do is to disinfect the bite site by treating it with an antiseptic (alcohol, hydrogen peroxide). Then you should lubricate it with brilliant green or iodine, or sprinkle crushed streptocide on top (an antiseptic that prevents the risk of infection and inflammation). After this, a bandage is applied to the bite site. Or it is sealed with adhesive tape in order to avoid the risk of infection. After this, you must definitely consult a doctor (at the nearest trauma center, or to an infectious disease specialist).

The doctor will assess the risk of developing rabies, other infectious diseases, the risk of complications, and will carry out the necessary preventive measures. If there is a risk of developing rabies, special anti-rabies serums are used to prevent the development of the disease. But they can only be effective if the virus has not yet penetrated the brain and spinal cord and has not captured the nerve ganglia. If this has happened, nothing can be done, rabies will progress and will eventually end in death for the person. Therefore, in this case, the speed of reaction is important - the faster you take measures to provide emergency care, the greater the likelihood of developing rabies. [ 9 ]

Injection after a dog bite to a person

One of the main and most reliable and effective methods of treatment and prevention of rabies is immunoprophylaxis, vaccination, introduction of anti-rabies serums, which is based on the formation of stable immunity in response to the introduction of viral material into the body. Therefore, after a dog bite, a person is usually given injections (a special anti-rabies vaccine is administered). The nature of anti-rabies immunity has not been fully studied, although almost nothing has changed since the vaccine was discovered by L. Pasteur. Thus, the virus enters the body along with infected saliva, then begins its movement through the body, meets with immune cells.

The virus acts as an antigen, and antibodies are formed in response to it, which provide protection for the body. As a result of the reaction between them, immune complexes are formed, which form the basis of immunity and further resistance to the disease. The main immunity is formed due to the activation of T-lymphocytes, increased synthesis of interferons. The humoral link (B-lymphocytes) is gradually activated.

If a person is vaccinated, the process is much easier. After the body encounters the infection again, recognition occurs much faster, since there is primary cellular memory. The disease progresses faster, easier. Recovery is possible, the risk of death is significantly reduced. [ 10 ]

How to treat a dog bite on a person?

The main means used to treat a dog bite are antiseptics: hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, chlorhexidine, and other skin antiseptics. Local antibiotics and ointments are used. The doctor will tell you what is best to treat. A person often experiences itching, so it is additionally recommended to use anti-itching agents. Folk and homeopathic remedies prepared at home have proven themselves well. Let's consider the most commonly used recipes.

• Recipe No. 1.

To prepare the ointment, take fish oil, eucalyptus oil, and resin of fruit trees in a ratio of 2:2:1 as a base, melt it in a water bath or over low heat until dissolved, stirring constantly. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon peel infusion with sugar, cucumber flowers, and fresh apples to the resulting mass. Mix everything until a uniform consistency is formed. Remove from heat and allow to harden. Apply a thin layer to the bite site and rub in until completely absorbed.

• Recipe No. 2.

The ointment is based on about 100 grams of lard and 50 grams of lard. Melt all of this until butter is formed. Prepare a mixture of the following herbal ingredients in advance in a fireproof dish: rosehip decoction, blue cornflower, wormwood, sunflower stem tincture (at a rate of about 2 tablespoons of each herb per 150 grams of fat). Heat the oil over low heat (without bringing it to a boil). As soon as the oil is hot enough, but has not yet boiled, remove it from the heat and pour in the previously prepared herbs. Add finely grated dark chocolate. Stir, cover with a lid on top, and leave in a dark place for 24 hours (at room temperature). After this, the oil is ready for use. Apply a thin layer to the bite site and the area around the bite.

• Recipe No. 3.

As a base, take a mixture of massage base oils (shea butter and karite), add 3 egg yolks, 5 ml of castor oil. Mix. Add 2 drops of the following essential oils to the resulting mixture: chamomile, fir, sage. Mix thoroughly.

• Recipe No. 4.

Take any body cream. Add a tablespoon of bitter almond, chamomile and myrtle oils. Mix everything until smooth. Apply a thin layer to the bites.

• Recipe No. 5.

To prepare the ointment, take mutton fat, wax and bee honey as a base, melt it in a water bath or on low heat until dissolved, stirring constantly. Add 2 tablespoons of rue oil, laurel oil, castor oil, as well as iris and dill oil to the resulting mass. Mix everything until a uniform consistency is formed. Remove from heat, allow to harden. Apply a thin layer, rub in until completely absorbed. Apply to the bite site.

Punishment and responsibility for a dog bite

Animal owners are responsible for annual vaccination of animals against rabies (in accordance with the Russian Federation Law "On Veterinary Medicine", veterinary legislation). The state is responsible for monitoring stray and wild dogs and other animals that may be a source of infection. When determining the degree of responsibility and punishment, veterinary legislation, sanitary and hygienic standards and requirements are used. If a person is bitten by a dog, the animal that bit is taken under control at a veterinary institution. The owner is charged an administrative fine for the violation (administrative offense).

If no signs of rabies appear within 10 days, the animal is returned to its owner. Also, constant work is carried out with wild and stray animals, quarantine is observed if necessary, sanitary and hygienic, anti-epidemic measures are organized. This is especially important for sanitary-unfavorable areas. Mandatory vaccination and immunization are carried out.

It should be taken into account that in all cases all dogs, cats, and other domestic animals that are carriers of rabies must be vaccinated (within the established timeframes, in the established order). Special anti-rabies vaccines and serums approved for use in the territory of the state are used. The documents are marked with notes on vaccinations. People are also vaccinated if a dog has bitten a person.