The Journal of the Kentucky Medical Association
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The etiology of most penetrating neck injuries is caused by missiles or stabbings. Irrespective of the cause of injury, management strategies require that life-threatening injuries to underlying deep neck structures such as esophagus, trachea, or carotid artery be promptly identified. A case is reported in which occlusion of the common carotid artery resulted from a dog bite to the neck. ⋯ The carotid injury was identified by preoperative angiography and was repaired with a reversed saphenous vein interposition graft. The patient had full recovery without neurologic sequela. While injuries to deep neck structures as a result of animal bites are rare, these patients should be evaluated according to accepted protocols to exclude or identify such life-threatening injuries.