Ophthalmic Manifestations of Facial Dog Bites in Children

Purpose: To characterize ophthalmic manifestations and periocular injuries of pediatric facial dog bites. Methods: A retrospective review of all children younger than 18 years who sought medical attention after a dog bite to the face between January 1, 2003 and May 22, 2014 was performed at a large tertiary pediatric hospital. Data on type and location of injury, surgical intervention, and complications were collected. Results: A total of 1,989 children aged 0.19 to 17 years were identified with dog bites. Dog bites to the face occurred in most patients (n = 1, 414 [71%]). Of those children with facial dog bite injuries, 230 (16%) suffered ophthalmic manifestations. The average age was 4.3 years. Eyelid injuries occurred in 227 (99%) of children, 47 (20%) sustained canalicular system injuries, 3 (1.3%) suffered corneal abrasions, and 2 patients sustained facial nerve injury resulting in lagophthalmos. No patients suffered vision loss. Complications occurred in 32 patients (14%), with the most common being epiphora in 9 patients (28%), upper eyelid ptosis in 8 (25%), and prominent scar formation in 4 patients (13%). Thirteen children (5.7%) needed one or more secondary procedure to correct complications. Conclusions: The authors report the clinical features and management on the largest series of ophthalmic and periocular injuries associated with pediatric facial dog bites. These injuries occur in about 1 in 6 dog bites to the face and primarily involve the ocular adnexa. Despite early and appropriate surgical management, complications and the need for revision surgery are relatively common.