Appraisal of dog bite cases in Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia Abia state – Nigeria

Dog bite cases pose a major public health threat in Nigeria and other nations of the world. Millions of people are bitten by dogs, and most  cases are fatal when bitten by rabid dogs. This study evaluated dog bite cases in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. It is a retrospective study on the clinical records of dog bite patients managed between 2016 to 2018 at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia. Out of 98 reported cases of dog bites, there was a higher incidence rate of (65.3%) among the male victims than females (37.7%). 19.4% of the cases were victims of less than 15 years of age. Lower limb (59.2%) was the major site of bite cases. 58.2% of the offending dogs were owned while 41.8% were stray dogs. Only 31.6% of offending dogs had up-to-date anti-rabies's vaccination. Clinic records showed that 52% of the patients werepresented within 24hrs of the incidence at the hospital. Use of herbal balms (48%) was the most pre-hospital treatment received by dog bite victims. 4 victims had confirmed rabies case. Wound sustained by victims included open wound, lacerations, bruises and avulsion. Treatment pattern was based on evaluated risk of exposure of victims. In conclusion, dog bite cases in this study occurred more in malesand adults with mostly owned dogs being involved in the reported cases. Most victims of dog bite cases at the Centre promptly presented their cases for medical consultation. Public awareness is required on the need to avoid provocative dog bites, prompt hospital visitation when bitten by a dog, and there is a need for dog owners to vaccinate their dogs annually against rabies. Keywords: Appraisal, Dog- bite, rabies,treatment-regimen, Umuahi