Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Demographics, Incidence, and Treatment of Dog Bite-Induced Facial Trauma - Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic hindered socialization of children and animals. After a perceived initial decrease in trauma, we have anecdotally
noted a rise in dog bite cases since the pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the incidence and treatment of dog bites to the
face, head, or neck.
Methods: The TriNetX Research Network identified 208,258 patients bitten by a dog during 2017-2023. A retrospective chart review identified 663
patients presenting specifically with dog bite facial injuries at a single institution from 2017-2023. Injuries were analyzed during March-August of each year
to correspond with the months of the initial pandemic lockdown in 2020 as well as across the entire year.
Results: Prior to the pandemic, there had been a steady increase in dog bite related injuries. In 2020, there was a nationwide decrease in overall rates by
4.30% with 6.40% decrease noted between March and August of that year. Conversely, during the same time at our institution, there was a 25.44% decrease
in patients being seen for facial dog bites with a 36.23% decrease specifically within March-August. Bedside repairs at our institution dropped 41.38% in
2020 compared to 2019. Post-pandemic, the rates of dog bite injuries increased and reached pre-pandemic levels.
Conclusion: A steady increase in number of dog bite facial injuries was noted prior to the pandemic. The incidence decreased in 2020 nationwide
followed by a rebound of injuries that reached, and often surpassed, pre-pandemic levels. Changes in the incidence, demographics, and treatment highlight
the lasting changes in dog bite injuries due to social disruption.