55 Y/o With Dog Bite Puncture Wounds, Scrapes And Lacerations

Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : 55 y/o with dog bite puncture wounds, scrapes and lacerations to right thigh. My wounds were irrigated and sewn shut at ER just over 48 hrs ago. Two antibiotics have been taken consistently over the past 48+ hours. Diagnosed with Cellulitis by CT with contrast. Blood work today shows elevated white count. I am worried infection is progressing rapidly. Should I continue to only take oral antibiotics, or should I return to the ER to be admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
IV antibiotics must be started.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have gone through the picture.
Dog bites are contaminated wound and there is high chances for spreading infection. In the attached photo, the upper thigh looks like tense which is not a good sign. High white cell count is also suggestive or infection.
Considering this IV antibiotics will be the best choice to prevent unwanted complications.
Combination of penicillin group with metrogyl will be a good option and your physician chose the antibiotics accordingly.
Thanks

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T