W54: Bitten or struck by dog

"Bitten or Struck by Dog" encompasses a group of health injuries, all induced by a dog either biting or striking a person. Dog bites typically puncture or tear the skin, providing an avenue for bacteria, present in the dog's mouth or the immediate environment, to enter the wound and cause infection. Symptoms may vary, from minor skin abrasions to deep puncture wounds, often accompanied by bleeding, pain, and swelling. Sometimes, a dog strike, where a dog's action leads to an injury like a fall or a collision, may cause physical traumas such as cuts, bruises, bone fractures, or even concussions. Both dog bites and strikes can, in severe cases, lead to complex health complications impacting multiple body systems, with progression dependent on the gravity of the injury, the size and breed of the dog, and the individual’s general health status.