The Case of an 8-Year-Old Child
On February 3, Hanoi Children’s Hospital admitted an 8-year-old child in critical condition after being attacked by a dog. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by animal attacks, particularly for young children.
Condition Upon Admission
Upon admission, the child had severe injuries on the right ear, scalp, right arm, forearm, right hand, and other parts of the body due to the dog attack. Initial diagnosis revealed nearly complete detachment of the right earlobe, with the external ear canal cartilage and ear rim cartilage completely severed. Only a 2.5 cm skin bridge remained at the earlobe.
Post-surgery ear wound (Photo courtesy of the hospital).
Additionally, the child suffered deep bites and severe lacerations on the head and right arm, with the longest cut measuring up to 5 cm.
According to the family, the accident occurred when the child was playing at their grandmother’s house and was suddenly attacked by a pet dog. The child was initially treated at Chuong My Hospital before being transferred to Hanoi Children’s Hospital for specialized care.
Treatment Process and Results
Dr. Hung Anh from the Department of General Surgery at Hanoi Children’s Hospital reported that the medical team quickly performed necessary tests and emergency surgery. During the operation, doctors found severe damage to the soft tissue of the ear, with the ear canal cartilage and ear rim cartilage completely severed. The skin bridge at the earlobe was insufficient for blood flow, leading to discoloration and significant bleeding in the peripheral area.
The child underwent surgery to remove damaged tissues, repair the external ear canal cartilage and ear rim cartilage, and reconnect the ear veins using microsurgery techniques. Post-surgery, the ear’s appearance met expectations, with a healthy pink color and no signs of necrosis. Other wounds were thoroughly cleaned, debrided, and sutured.
Currently, the child is fully conscious, in stable health, and recovering well. They are receiving antibiotics, wound care, and rabies and tetanus vaccinations as per the prescribed protocol.
Patient recovering positively (Photo courtesy of the hospital).
Warning About Animal Bites
Notably, this is not the only such case during the recent Tet holiday. According to hotline data from Hanoi Children’s Hospital, many children have been bitten by dogs or cats within the family. Such incidents can lead to severe consequences like vascular and nerve damage, infections, and even rabies or limb amputation.
Doctors emphasize that children are often curious and lack full awareness of animal danger signals. Therefore, adults should take proactive measures to prevent accidents by:
- Avoiding contact between young children and unfamiliar or aggressive animals.
- Teaching children safe interaction methods with pets to avoid provocation.
- Supervising children closely when animals are present in the home.
Guidance for Handling Dog Bites
When a child is bitten by a dog or cat, caregivers should follow these steps immediately:
- Clean the wound: Use clean water and soap to wash the wound for at least 15 minutes.
- Disinfect: Apply alcohol or Betadine to prevent infection.
- Gently stop the bleeding: Cover the wound with sterile gauze to control bleeding.
- Seek medical attention: Have the child checked and vaccinated against rabies and tetanus as directed by a doctor.
- Monitor the biting animal: Keep the animal under observation for 15 days for any unusual symptoms.
Note: Do not attempt to suture the wound at home as this can increase the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Animal bite accidents not only cause physical harm but also have significant psychological impacts on children. To protect their children, parents must enhance prevention awareness and be prepared with proper handling knowledge in case of emergencies. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!
Source: Dan Tri Newspaper
