Pediatric dog bite with peritoneal violation

Abstract While dog bites are common in pediatric trauma centers, peritoneal violation from a dog bite is an uncommon finding given the significant bite force required to traverse the abdominal wall musculature. A very high incidence of clinical suspicion is necessary in order to avoid missing this rare, potentially life-threatening injury. In this instance, we report a case of peritoneal violation, retroperitoneal hematoma, colonic contusion, and mesenteric injury in a four year old male suffering from a dog attack in which computed axial tomography (CT) scanning was key in identifying the injuries. We also review the natural history (and injury patterns) of canine attacks in the United States.