Selective mutism due to a dog bite trauma in a 4-year-old girl: a case report

Abstract

IntroductionA child experiencing an event of threatening or catastrophic nature may experience considerable post-traumatic psychological distress. Dog bites present an important public health problem and are a frequent cause of physical trauma in children. Physicians who manage paediatric trauma may not be vigilant of the high risk of psychological stress in children exposed to a physical injury.Case presentationA 4-year-old white girl of Greek origin, with a dog-bite related trauma was admitted to the University Hospital of Crete, Greece, for surgical repair and intravenous antibiotic therapy due to extensive lesions. Exposure to the traumatic event triggered the onset of an unusual psychological response, selective mutism and acute post-traumatic stress disorder.ConclusionThere is limited literature discussing the psychological effect of dog bites in children. Parents and physicians involved in pediatric physical trauma need to be more familiar with post-traumatic behavioral reactions. Awareness of the potential development of such reactions may result in early detection and effective management of children at risk.

Social Phobia and Selective Mutism

“…24 -26 Ongoing SOP is associated with functional impairment, such as marital instability and lower educational attainment and income levels. 24,27,28 Cases of SM onsetting abruptly in response to a stressful event 16,29 are relatively uncommon and may be transient. 15 In one survey study of 153 children and adults with current or lifetime SM, 71.3% reported having SM for 3 or more years, and only one individual had SM for less than a year.…”

Compound posterior cruciate ligament and popliteal artery injury due to dog bite: A case report

“… 16 , 17 In addition to physical trauma, psychological and mental disorders has been reported in children after such terrifying experience. 18 The memories of a vicious dog bite may eventually fade but the fear and emotional damage can last a lifetime. Post-traumatic stress disorder has been known to occur in children after animal bite injuries.…”

Non-Fatal Attacks by Dogs: Characteristics of Victims and Attacking Dogs, From the Forensic Perspective: A Series of 106 Cases From Athens, Greece, and Brief Review of the Literature

“…Dog-bite injuries can cause fractures, infections, vascular injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or even death [3,[19][20][21][22]. After first aid, a dog-bite wound requires irrigation and debridement of the affected tissues [23].…”