[Animal bites at the casualty department of the Oslo City Council].

During a 2-year period all Casualty Department data charts with the diagnosis "animal bite" were reviewed as part of internal quality control. Of 1,051 recorded episodes, 503 (48%) were women and 147 (14%) children under 16 years of age. 951 (90%) wounds were treated without closure. Half of the patients were not given antibiotics on the first visit, whereas one third were given penicillin. Tetanus status had been evaluated on 1,015 (97%) charts. Most bites were caused by dogs (76%), cats (17%), and horses (2%). Children were the victims of 118 (15%) dog bites, eight (4%) cat bites, and ten (53%) horse bites. More victims of dog bites than cat bites arrived within 12 hours of injury. German shepherd was the dog breed most often reported. Men were at greater risk of being bitten by dogs, adult women by cats and young girls by horses. Dogs bit children most frequently in the face and head areas and adults on the hands. In contrast, two thirds of children and adults were bitten by cats on the hands. Nearly all bite wounds were superficial and healed uneventfully; either without antibiotics, or with penicillin after wound treatment without closure. Computerized injury charts may ensure improved documentation of relevant information and simplify future quality control and research.