Retrospective Evaluation of Admission Variables Associated With Outcome in Dogs With Bite Wound Trauma (12,412 cases): An ACVECC‐VetCOT Registry Study

OBJECTIVE: To describe admission variables in dogs with bite wound trauma and to evaluate the relationship of these variables with the type of bite wound (penetrating, blunt, combination) and survival outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of multi-institutional veterinary trauma registry data on dogs presenting with bite wound trauma. SETTING: Veterinary Committee on Trauma-identified Veterinary Trauma Centers (VTCs). ANIMALS: A total of 12,412 dogs with bite wound trauma presented to VTCs with data entered in the Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry from April 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Admission variables and outcome were evaluated for dogs suffering from penetrating bite trauma (10,942/12,412; 88.16%), blunt bite trauma (479/12,412; 3.86%), and a combination of these (991/12,412; 7.98%). Among all groups, 95.06% (11,799/12,412) survived to discharge, 1.01% (125/12,412) died, and 3.93% (488/12,412) were euthanized. Patient sex (p < 0.001), modified Glasgow Coma Scale score (p < 0.001), Animal Trauma Triage score (p < 0.001), lactate concentration (p < 0.001), base excess (p < 0.001), blood glucose concentration (p < 0.001), ionized calcium concentration (p < 0.001), and PCV/total plasma protein concentration (p < 0.001/p < 0.001) were each associated with survival outcome. Head injury (p < 0.001) or spinal trauma (p < 0.001) at time of admission, or the requirement for blood product transfusion (p < 0.001), was associated with a negative survival outcome. Treatment by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine prior to arrival to VTC was associated with survival. In multivariate analysis, higher body weight and surgical intervention were associated with survival. Older age and glucose dysregulation were associated with a negative survival outcome. CONCLUSION: Dogs sustaining bite wound trauma have an excellent prognosis for survival. These findings may help guide discussion with caregivers regarding patient care, resource requirements, and prognosis.