Is the management of dog bite wounds evidence based? A postal survey and review of the literature.

Objectives: To determine current practice in the management of dog bite wounds with regard to the use of prophylactic antibiotics and primary closure and to compare the available evidence.

Methods: We conducted a national postal survey of Accident and Emergency (A and E) departments in the UK to ascertain the current practice in the management of recent dog bite wounds. A questionnaire was designed and posted to a named A and E consultant.