Glossary of Key Terms
Glossary of Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
| Antiseptic | A solution applied to a wound after cleaning to help kill remaining microbes on the surface. |
| Bacterial Infections | Infections caused by the numerous bacteria present in a dog’s mouth penetrating the skin through a bite, potentially leading to complications like abscesses, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis. |
| Hidrofobi (Hydrophobia) | A classic symptom of rabies, characterized by a fear of water. An infected dog may avoid drinking water or experience severe spasms when it sees water. |
| Kuduz (Rabies) | A fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system, transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. It requires urgent and aggressive medical intervention. |
| Kuduz İmmün Globulin (RIG) | Rabies Immune Globulin. A component of post-exposure treatment that is injected into and around the bite wound to provide immediate, passive immunity against the rabies virus. |
| Kynofobi (Kynophobia) | An intense fear of dogs, which can develop as a psychological consequence of a dog bite, especially in children and sensitive individuals. |
| Maruziyet Sonrası Profilaksi (PEP) | Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. The emergency treatment protocol initiated after potential exposure to rabies, combining Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) and the rabies vaccine series. |
| Osteomyelitis | A serious complication of an infected dog bite where the infection spreads to the bone. |
| Profilaktik (Prophylactic) | A preventive measure or treatment. In the context of a bite from an unknown dog, prophylactic rabies treatment is started to prevent the disease from developing. |
| Septic Arthritis | A serious complication of an infected dog bite where the infection spreads into a joint. |
| Tetanoz (Tetanus) | A serious, potentially fatal disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria entering a deep, dirty wound. It leads to muscle spasms and lockjaw and is preventable with vaccination. |
| Travma Sonrası Stres Bozukluğu (PTSD) | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A severe psychological condition that can develop after a dog bite, with symptoms including recurring nightmares, anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance of triggers related to the event. |
| Trismus | Jaw locking, a key symptom of tetanus. |
| Zoonotic Diseases | Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with rabies being a critical example in the context of dog bites. |