An 11-year-old girl in Hanoi suffered a punctured esophagus after being bitten by a family dog. Thankfully, her trachea remained unharmed. This incident highlights the potential risks of pet ownership, especially concerning rabies.
Heartbreaking Incident and Delayed Action
On March 31st, an 11-year-old girl was playing with her family dog when it bit her neck. The family reported that the dog had been vaccinated against rabies and had lived with them for 12 years. However, because the wound wasn’t bleeding profusely and seemed relatively minor, the family delayed taking the girl to the hospital. It wasn’t until unusual symptoms emerged—drooling and food coming out of the wound—that the family rushed her to Việt Đức Hospital.
Punctured Esophagus: Serious Complication Risk
Dr. Vũ Đức Thịnh, of the Surgical Gastroenterology Department at Việt Đức Hospital, stated that upon admission, the girl had two open wounds leaking saliva. Doctors worried about potential damage to vital organs like the trachea and esophagus. Computed tomography scans revealed a perforation in the girl’s esophagus. While her trachea remained unaffected, delays in treatment could lead to serious complications like mediastinitis, sepsis, or esophageal fistula.
Prevention and Management of Bites
Fortunately, the girl received timely surgery. However, this incident underscores crucial lessons in preventing and managing animal bites.
The doctor emphasized that even with rabies vaccination, the risk of rabies transmission cannot be completely eliminated. Rabies has a long incubation period and a high fatality rate. Therefore, rabies vaccination is extremely important.
Steps to Take After an Animal Bite
The doctor recommends the following steps after an animal bite:
- Immediate disinfection: Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, then disinfect with antiseptic.
- Don’t ignore minor bites: Even if a bite doesn’t bleed significantly, bacteria or viruses can still penetrate and cause infection.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Especially for bites on vulnerable areas like the head, face, neck, hands, and feet. Rabies prophylaxis and extensive evaluation are necessary if signs of infection arise.
- Monitor the biting animal for 10-14 days: If the animal displays unusual behavior, immediately notify a medical professional for appropriate action.
Helpful Advice
This unfortunate incident serves not only as a health lesson for children but also a crucial reminder for all families with pets. Raising awareness and adhering to preventive measures are vital to avoiding such risks.
Note: Unfortunately, the original article lacks some crucial details, such as the precise location of Việt Đức Hospital or the specific date of the incident. Inclusion of these details would enhance the article’s clarity.
