Pediatric canalicular lacerations following dog bite

Background: Canalicular lacerations following dog bites are more common in children due to their short height, the nature of playing around with pets, and the preference for the dog to attack the central area of the face. Purpose: This video discusses the nuances involved in managing pediatric canalicular lacerations following dog bites. Synopsis: Periocular dog bite injuries commonly lead to canalicular lacerations, which are more common in children. This is due to shearing forces applied to the eyelids when the dog attacks the central face and direct perforating injury with the canine teeth. Dog bites near the medial canthus can lead to canalicular lacerations as the canaliculi are superficial structures and prone to injury due to the stretching or avulsion of the eyelid. Getting the antirabies vaccine and immunoglobulin injections around the wound is important. There is controversy in the literature regarding the primary suturing of dog bite lacerations. [1,2] However, restoring normal anatomy is essential to providing an acceptable cosmetic result and preventing epiphora. Lacerations should be thoroughly cleaned and explored. The proximal and distal ends of the lacerated canaliculus are identified with magnification and good lighting and approximated with a stent. In certain situations, injecting viscoelastic or trypan blue dye through the opposite canaliculus can be helpful. Highlights: Managing dog bites in the periocular location requires some distinct considerations, which will be discussed in this video. Video Link: https://youtu.be/2nzddny_NFo