Bite wounds and abscess

Overview

Common wherever dogs meet dogs — territorial fights with community dogs are a routine cause in many places. A bite is a puncture that injects bacteria deep under the skin and then seals over, so the skin heals while infection builds beneath it; the abscess appears days later as a hot painful lump. Bites over the chest or abdomen are far more serious than they look, because a canine tooth can penetrate the body wall. All bite wounds warrant veterinary attention: they typically need clipping, exploration, flushing, sometimes a drain, and an antimicrobial class chosen by the vet. Rabies risk must be assessed for any bite from an unknown or unvaccinated dog (see the rabies entry and the zoonoses part) — this is a decision with human consequences, not just canine ones.

What you would notice

• A hot, painful, firm swelling, often a few days after a fight
• Small puncture wounds that have already scabbed over
• Fever, dullness, and loss of appetite
• A foul-smelling discharge if the swelling has burst
• Limping if a limb is involved

Sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com)
• MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com)
• National Centre for Disease Control, India — rabies programme (ncdc.mohfw.gov.in)

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