Managing dog, cat, and human bite wounds.

All bite wounds require the same general approach regarding history and physical exam, selective ancillary testing, wound cleaning, and immobilization. Primary closure should be considered only for bites in which the concerns about cosmetic outcome outweigh the risk of infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be initiated for patients with high-risk bite wounds and for those who are at risk for serious wound infection complications. The chosen antibiotic should cover beta-lactamase-producing aerobic and anaerobic organisms, including Pasteurella species in animal bites and E corrodens in human bites.