MO Dog Attack Lawyers
Tracheal Injury From Dog Bites
The trachea, or windpipe, is one of the most anterior structures in the neck and thus, very susceptible to injury. It is a semi-rigid structure that can be easily injured by compression during a dog bite. The neck, especially of a small child, is small enough for a dog to grab hold of with its' mouth and the strong jaw of the dog can crush the trachea. Associated injuries can include damage to the major blood vessels that sit on either side of the trachea from the dog's teeth puncturing the blood vessels.
Symptoms and Treatment of Tracheal Injury
The symptoms most often noted by someone with a tracheal injury from a dog bite will be difficulty breathing and possibly a choking sensation. Due to the vocal cords also being located in the windpipe, you may notice a change in your voice or hoarseness. With a crushing injury, air will enter the tissues surrounding the windpipe causing it to appear puffy; this can spread to the upper chest and/or back as well. If the blood vessels have been injured, you may have profuse blood loss as well. Other possible symptoms include pain and coughing up blood.
Treatment will consist of surgical repair of the trachea. After surgery, you may require a breathing tube while the trachea heals to ensure swelling does not constrict the airway.
Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook
Mortality from associated dog bite injuries in a penetrating injury to the neck from the dog's teeth can be as high as 50%; this is due to the close proximity of major blood vessels to the trachea. However, for most, people experience a gradual recovery. The most common ongoing issue is a permanent change in your voice. Less commonly, scar tissue could cause mild restriction of the airway resulting in a condition similar to asthma making it difficult to breathe at times and necessitating ongoing follow-up with your doctor.
Injury Attorneys with Your Best Interests in Mind
Coping with an injury related to tracheal injury during a dog attack presents many physical, emotional, and financial challenges to overcome. At Page Law, our Missouri dog bite attorneys stand ready to hold negligent owners responsible for your pain and suffering. Feel free to call our firm today at (314) 322-8515 regarding any questions you may have related to your dog bite claim.
