DOG BITES

Dog bites can cause more than surface wounds.

OSIC’s specialists treat the muscle, tendon, and bone damage that can result from serious dog bites, restoring function and helping you heal fully.

Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nearly 1 in 5 bites (around 800,000) become serious enough to require medical care.
The most commonly injured body parts are hands, arms, legs, and face — areas with complex tendons, joints, and nerves that often require specialized care to avoid lasting damage.
In severe cases, bites can cause nerve damage, tendon rupture, and disfigurement that requires reconstructive treatment or physical therapy.

At ORTHOPEDIC SPINE & INJURY CENTER (OSIC), we understand that dog bite injuries often go far beyond the skin. Beneath punctures and bruises, there can be damage to muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves, especially in the hands, arms, legs, and face. These injuries can cause lasting weakness, stiffness, or disfigurement if not treated promptly and properly.

And because most dog bites occur suddenly, sometimes involving friends, family members, and neighborhood pets or other familiar dogs, OSIC’s care team approaches these injuries with clinical expertise and compassion.

Understanding Dog Bite Injuries

Most dog bites result from defensive or startled reactions, not aggression. But even a brief bite can generate hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch, crushing soft tissue or fracturing small bones.

The most commonly affected areas include:

Hands and fingers: Where tendons, ligaments, and nerves are close to the surface.
Forearms and wrists: Often injured when someone raises their arm to block a bite.
Legs and ankles: Especially when dogs lunge from below.
Face and scalp: Common in children due to height proximity to dogs.

While infection is a concern, the greater long-term risk is functional damage, such as limited range of motion, weakness, or numbness, that develops weeks after the initial wound has healed.

Why You Should Always Get a Dog Bite Examined

Even minor-looking puncture wounds can conceal serious injury. A dog’s bite can:

Tear or crush underlying muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
Cause small fractures in hands, wrists, or feet.
Damage nerves, leading to tingling, weakness, or permanent loss of sensation.
Create deep-pocket infections that can spread under the skin.
Leave behind scarring or tissue deformity if untreated.
Cause infection, to include rabies. Infection is very common following a dog bite.

At OSIC, our doctors use advanced imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI) to assess not just the skin wound, but the underlying structure, because full recovery means restoring both function and appearance.

Immediate Medical Evaluation and Treatment

After a dog bite, the first priority is controlling bleeding, preventing infection, and assessing deeper trauma.

Step 1: Wound Care and Cleaning

The wound is irrigated and cleaned thoroughly to remove saliva, debris, and bacteria.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Stitches are used only when appropriate — sometimes left open temporarily to prevent trapped bacteria.

Step 2: Imaging and Structural Assessment

X-rays check for fractures or foreign objects (like tooth fragments).
Ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess tendon or nerve injury.
Nerve testing (EMG) can help detect early signs of nerve damage.

Step 3: Tetanus and Rabies Prevention

Tetanus boosters are administered if vaccinations are not up to date.
Rabies prophylaxis is considered when the dog’s vaccination history is unknown.
It is important to communicate with local health departments to ensure compliance and reporting.

Step 4: Pain Management and Rehabilitation

Pain and swelling are managed with medication or local therapy.
Physical therapy or occupational therapy may be prescribed to restore mobility and strength.
Scar management and, if needed, plastic or reconstructive consultation are provided to improve long-term outcomes.

Common Complications of Untreated Dog Bite Injuries

Tendon rupture: Particularly in the hand or wrist.
Joint stiffness: From scarring or missed ligament injury.
Chronic pain or weakness: If nerve damage goes untreated.
Infection: Including cellulitis or abscess formation.
Scarring and keloid formation: Especially after deep or jagged wounds.

Our goal at OSIC is to prevent these complications before they begin by identifying damage early and building a structured plan for healing.

The Emotional Impact

Being bitten by a dog can be emotionally traumatic, especially when the dog belongs to a friend or family member. Many patients feel conflicted — afraid, embarrassed, or guilty — even though they’ve done nothing wrong.

At OSIC, we approach every case with understanding and respect. Our focus is on healing you completely, inside and out.

When to Seek Medical Care Immediately

Go immediately to the ER or Urgent Care if:

The bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or near a joint.
You cannot move your fingers, wrist, or ankle normally.
You feel tingling, numbness, or weakness near the wound.
You see redness, swelling, or pus (signs of infection).
You were bitten by an unfamiliar or unvaccinated dog.

After dealing with the immediate surface wound, it’s essential to have a musculoskeletal specialist at OSIC evaluate you for tendon, bone, or nerve involvement.

How OSIC Helps You Recover

Accident and injury specialists — focused on trauma, not workplace or chronic pain.
Comprehensive diagnosis with imaging, nerve testing, and wound assessment.
Rehabilitation support to restore mobility and prevent stiffness.
Scar and tissue management, Plastic Surgery for cosmetic and functional recovery.
Documentation for your records or personal injury claim.
Locations across Utah, Washington State, Oregon and Idaho for same-day or next-day appointments.

Get Expert Care for Dog Bite Injuries

Even a small bite can cause deep damage. OSIC’s medical team provides the expertise, imaging, and treatment needed to restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent permanent complications.

Call ORTHOPEDIC SPINE & INJURY CENTER (OSIC) today or schedule an appointment online for a complete post-bite evaluation.

Call Now or Request an Appointment Online

BRAIN INJURIES
TBI/CONCUSSION INJURIES

INJURY CAUSES
CAR ACCIDENT
BICYCLE ACCIDENT
TRUCK ACCIDENT
RIDESHARE ACCIDENT
SLIP & FALL ACCIDENT
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
BUS ACCIDENT
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT

TESTIMONIALS

“These guys and gals are amazing, great attention to details, friendly staff with great bedside manner. Their team works well with one another, easy to coordinate multiple Doctors. Surgery is usually the last resort, they try to use alternative solutions if possible.”

Francis

“I was in a car accident and received initial treatment at another establishment, who, unfortunately, did not fully diagnose all of my injuries. I was referred to OSIC for a second opinion and have received exceptional care from them.

The staff was extremely professional, and I felt that the doctors truly cared about me and ensuring that I received the care that I needed. I strongly recommend OSIC.”

Landon

“Knowledgeable Doctors and friendly staff. Very short wait time in waiting room to see Doctor. Very attentive to all problems. Hands down best experience.”

“The entire staff has been helpful, professional, efficient, and welcoming. Highly recommend.”

Ali

“First visit and I cried! For the first time in over a year I have hope!!!! I felt like these beautiful amazing team cared about the pain I was experiencing, listened to me and actually heard what I was saying and truly worked together and worked with me to develop a plan to get me to finally feeling better. To say that I highly recommend this place is a huge understatement.”

Ashley