Dog Attack Leads to Severe Ocular Injury

This case study delves into a situation involving an adult individual who suffered severe ocular injuries from a dog attack.

ByWendy Ketner, M.D.

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Published on February 23, 2024

Dog and person in the forest

Case Overview

This case study delves into the unfortunate incident involving an individual who was subjected to a dog attack while visiting a residential property. The victim sustained significant injuries, including bites to their face and left eye. Subsequent ophthalmologic evaluations diagnosed the patient with multiple ocular conditions such as corneal abrasions, anatomical narrow angle, vitreous floaters, iritis, posterior vitreous detachment, and extraocular muscle range of motion impairment and fibrosis.

An expert in ophthalmology was sought to review the patient's medical records, conduct an independent medical examination, and provide professional opinions on the injuries resulting from the attack.

Questions to the Ophthalmology expert and their responses

Q1

How often do you evaluate and manage patients who have been diagnosed with traumatic injuries to the eye?

As a board-certified ophthalmologist actively practicing in a major city, I frequently evaluate and manage patients diagnosed with traumatic eye injuries. Over my career, I have examined and treated hundreds of patients with various types of ocular trauma.

Q2

What are the most pertinent clinical considerations when assessing long-term damages to dog bites that involve the eyes?

When assessing long-term damages from dog bites involving the eyes, several clinical considerations are paramount. Injuries may affect different parts of the eye - the eyelids, tear duct system, or eyeball itself.

Each type of injury necessitates separate evaluation and treatment plans. Depending on the severity and type of injury, some cases may require medication-based treatment while others might need surgical intervention either immediately or later.

Q3

Have you reviewed a case similar to the one described above? If so, please briefly describe.

I have reviewed several cases similar to this one involving ocular injuries from dog bites.

These cases varied in nature; some involved damage to the eyelids, others affected the lacrimal (tear duct) system, while some impacted the eyeball directly.

About the expert

This expert boasts over three decades of experience in ophthalmology, with a distinguished academic background that includes a BS from a reputable college and an MD from a renowned medical school. They further honed their skills through a residency in ophthalmology at a major medical center, where they served as chief resident, and a fellowship in cornea and external disease at a leading eye hospital. Currently, this expert is board-certified in ophthalmology, holds the position of clinical associate professor at a prestigious medical institution, and operates their private practice while also serving as an attending physician at multiple hospitals. Their extensive contributions to the field include authoring over 35 publications and delivering 165 presentations on ophthalmology.

Expert headshot

E-429442

Specialties:

About the author

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

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