Funding outcome

Dog-bites are a neglected problem in public health. The health burden of dog-bites extends beyond infections and physical injury. Impacts on families and throughout the life-course include emotional trauma, reduced physical and mental health, increased social conflict. In addition, dog-bites may be associated with spousal abuse, child abuse, conduct disorder in children, lower socioeconomic status and social stressors. Available statistics are unreliable and published data are more than 10 years old. This proposal will help to catalyze the formation of a powerful interdisciplinary research team formed to prevent dog-bites, to improve medical management and to reduce associated harms to children, families and communities. We propose a retrospective chart review of dog bite cases on individuals at or under 16 years of age, reported at the Stollery Children's Hospital Emergency room from 2002- 2016. A chart review will be done to determine the characteristics of the patients, the dog, as well as the bite inflicted. Additionally, the management of these cases will be discerned and further treatment and prevention strategies will be recommended. We will build on past studies and provide more up to date information concerning pediatric dog bites and their management through emergency care. Reports from this study will be shared with the Pediatric Trauma Committee and other clinical stakeholders so that management of dog bites in children can be improved locally with pre-set check-list forms.