Animal bite injuries to humans are relatively common, however, bite injuries to the lower extremity and more specifically the foot are relatively uncommon. Foot injuries, once infected, may lead to further complications, such as soft tissue loss, bone loss, and the need for amputation. Patients with preexisting medical conditions, such as peripheral vascular disease and diabetes, are especially at risk for such complications. In this article, 2 recent cases are detailed and the literature to examine these injuries of the foot is reviewed.
Potempa RL, Lichty T.Hallux amputation: a case report. J Foot Surg. 1979;18:40-41.
2.
Yu GV, Bolke AM, Hladik JRAn unusual case of diabetic cellulitis due to Pasturella multocida. J Foot Ankle Surg. 1995;34:91-95.
3.
Myers RA, Little ML, Joseph WSBite wound infections in the lower extremity. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 1990;7: 501-508.
4.
Charalambous CP, Zipitis CS, Kumar R., Lipsett PA, Hirst P., Paul A.Soft tissue infections of the extremities in an orthopaedic centre in the UK. J Infect. 2003;46: 106-110.
5.
Ballard WT, Cooper RRAn environmental hazard to the diabetic foot: a case report. Iowa Orthop J. 1994;14: 171-173.
6.
Mitmoonpitak C., Tepsumethanon V., Raksaket S., Banjongkasaena Nayuthaya A., Wilde H.Dog-bite injuries at the animal bite clinic of the Thai Red Cross Society in Bangkok. J Med Assoc Thai. 2000;83: 1458-1462.
7.
Griego RD, Rosen T., Orengo IF, Wolf JEDog, cat, and human bites: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995;33: 1019-1029.
8.
Hirschhorn RB , Hodge RRIdentification of risks factors in rat bite incidents involving humans [review]. Pediatrics. 1999;104:e35.
