The use of antibiotics in the initial management of recent dog-bite wounds.

The use of antibiotics in the initial management of dog-bite wounds presented within eight hours of injury was studied. Of 211 wounds occurring in 150 patients seen during the study period, 66 wounds occurring in 33 patients comprised the study sample. All wounds were managed according to a strict protocol that included cleaning, debridement, and pressure irrigation. The wounds studied were randomly assigned to either an antibiotics (penicillinase-resistant penicillin or erythromycin) or placebo group. Two of the 35 antibiotic-treated wounds became infected, and three of the 31 placebo-treated wounds became infected. There was no significant difference in outcome between antibiotic and placebo groups. Hand wounds became infected significantly more often than other wounds. The administration of a penicillinase-resistant antibiotic is not indicated in the initial management of dog-bite wounds presented within eight hours of injury.