Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. Polymers (Basel). Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. A fever is considered a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Mr. H was discharged the next day and told to return to the infusion center every day for the next two weeks for IV Rocephin. In more extreme cases, redirected aggression can cause a cat to lash out at her guardian and cause severe damage. The trusted provider of medical information since 1899, Overview and Evaluation of Hand Disorders, Digital Flexor Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis (Trigger Finger), Last review/revision Apr 2022 | Modified Sep 2022. Symptoms include not only pain, but also numbness and paresthesia. The average time people waited between getting bitten and seeking treatment was 27 hours. (2015). Accessibility (2016). Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening. Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders, Amoxil, Dispermox, Moxatag, Moxilin , Sumox, Trimox, Biocef, Daxbia , Keflex, Keftab, Panixine, Cleocin, Cleocin Ovules, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin T, CLIN, Clindacin ETZ, Clindacin-P, Clinda-Derm , Clindagel, ClindaMax, ClindaReach, Clindesse, Clindets, Evoclin, PledgaClin, XACIATO, Acticlate, Adoxa, Adoxa Pak, Avidoxy, Doryx, Doxal, Doxy 100, LYMEPAK, Mondoxyne NL, Monodox, Morgidox 1x, Morgidox 2x , Okebo, Oracea, Oraxyl, Periostat, TARGADOX, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs. Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. Treatment for wrist tendonitis can include rest, icing, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hand therapy, and cortisone injections. Infections occur as a result of a combination of the oral flora of the animal and the human skin flora. Guidelines for the treatment of cat and dog bites in humans. By joining Cureus, you agree to our 2017 Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly Recovery could take four to six months. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. Published in February in the Journal of Hand Surgery the study looked at 193 patients who received treatment for a cat bite on the hand from January 2009 through 2011. You love your cat. Read all about risks and treatment for a cat bite. The second digit of the right hand was mildly edematous with five nondraining puncture wounds noted: two puncture wounds located between the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal joint of the second digit and three on the palmar aspect of the right hand. In the Mayo Clinic study, eight of the 193 patients surveyed required more than one operation, and some had to have reconstructive surgery. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Eight out of ten cat bites will become infected, experts warn, as moggies inject bacteria into the tissue when they sink their teeth into their victims, causing blood poisoning. Its not something you want to take any chances with. Careers. Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2 deep puncture wounds along the pinky by the wrist, 1 in the middle above the wrist & another with a tear by the wrist along the thumb. In fact, a 2013 research review showed that Pasteurella is the most common organism isolated from both cat and dog bites. Nearly 40% of cat bites may lead to an infection according to one estimate, which supports the extra attention medical professionals often pay to cat bites. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. Tendons and ligaments in the hand are especially delicate. [Hyatt, 2017] PFT is a clinical diagnosis!! 1. The more severe the bruising or bleeding looks, the worse the bite is. This includes bites that: [8] Are on the face Disclaimer. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. Cat bite victims sometimes must have their wounds surgically irrigated or even have infected tissue removed, a procedure called debridement. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Ellis R, et al. Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. Source: Bacteriologic Analysis of Infected Dog and Cat Bites. We recommend that any symptomatic cat bites to the upper limb, especially hand and wrist, must be treated promptly, essentially within 48 hours of injury, particularly in immunocompromised population. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. In fact, the infection rate from a cat bite is fairly high. Common pathogens include Pasteurella species, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, anaerobes, Capnocytophaga, Moraxella, Corynebacterium, and Neisseria. In almost all states, a cat that has bitten a human or another domestic animal must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. Cat and dog bites. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. Wounds are not closed after initial treatment so that any . An infected cat bite wound will be red, swollen, and painful, and the infection can spread through the surrounding tissues, causing a condition called cellulitis, or through the blood to other areas of the body, causing a condition called septicemia (often called blood poisoning). After receiving his medical degree fromLouisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where he was awarded the Orthopedic Surgery award. Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. Clinical Guidelines in Family Practice. You may have to try a few different chemical and nonchemical approaches to get rid of bedbugs, especially if you have a large infestation. It was strongly advised that the patient follow up the next day, but Mr. H declined. Conscious Cat is reader-supported. If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge from the wound, increasing pain, or difficulty moving the hand, seek emergency care. 2021 Nov 1;71:102993. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102993. The .gov means its official. Kittens bite, mouth, and paw things to explore their worldthey're all natural behaviors. Mr. H returned in three days as instructed. SUNDAY, Feb. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Cat bites may look less serious than dog bites, but beware: They can cause dangerous infections, particularly when they involve the hand, new research indicates. In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. The most common cause of human bites is a tooth-induced injury to the metacarpophalangeal joint as a result of a punch to the mouth (clenched fist injury). PMC The wound canal can reach into a joint or onto a bone. FOIA A serious infection can develop 24-48 hours after being bitten. of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. (2014). Because cat bites usually cover a small area, you will probably be able to cover it with an over-the-counter adhesive Band Aid. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. When a cat lands on the ground incorrectly after jumping, the ligaments and tendons are at risk of tearing, rupturing or breaking down over time. If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. . Keywords: Although cats have no more germs in their mouths than dogs or people, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that when cats bite, their sharp teeth can inject hard-to-treat bacteria deeply into. They may take a culture swab to help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. SEE MORE: Symptoms of Infected Cat Bite and Steps To Take For A Cat Bite. eCollection 2021 Nov. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. The second digit was warm to touch, red, and swollen. However, more severe reactions can occur, and rashes can develop. But remember, if you are bitten, prompt medical care is required to prevent serious, even long-term complications from a cat bite infection. Nine patients (Group B) presented later than 48 hours. Be sure to stay calm if you are bitten by a cat. Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. Early treatment is beneficial in decreasing the risk of infection. Source: The management of bite wounds in children--a retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre. A continued decrease in range of motion of the second digit was demonstrated at the two-week follow-up, but the pain was significantly improved. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. This is particularly true when patients develop inflamed skin and swelling. for two weeks. Review: The Cat in the Window And Other Stories of the Cats We Love. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Stay away from stray or feral cats. CSD is transmitted when a cat carrying the infection: The following animals are at the highest risk of carrying the infection: Its important to know that CSD is most common in children. Bothun said she waited one week after her black cat, Mr. Binks, bit. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year. The skin usually flaps over the bite, thereby sealing off . ", SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Feb. 5, 2014. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly is a native of Slidell, LA. Most domestic cats are already vaccinated against rabies. A dogs powerful jaws and blunt teeth tend to leave a larger wound, but they dont penetrate as deeply. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. Issues related to infectious tenosynovitis will be reviewed here. Once trapped under the skin, these bacteria spread and multiply, causing infection and inflammation (cellulitis) of the surrounding soft tissues. Do not allow kittens and young cats to play with your hands. Avoiding the Danger of a Cat Bite Infection. Bites that appear at first to be minor can ultimately end up requiring serious medical attention, with outcomes far worse than an apparently more damaging dog bite. Cat Bites: Dont Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment). Some states allow this quarantine to be done in the cats home, others require that it will be carried out in an approved animal control facility. We identified 193 patients in a 3-year period between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. According to a Mayo Clinic review of records for 193 cat bite victims, 36 were immediately admitted to the hospital, where they stayed an average of three days. Published by: Ingrid King. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound, the infection would just get worse. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. 'A cat bite is much worse than a dog or rat bite. (2016). The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Nerve injury: It's possible for the nerves to be damaged when a cat bites you. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. COVID-19 Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. The .gov means its official. The researchers studied nearly 200 cat bite cases that occurred between 2009 and 2011. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected, another study reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. The list above outlines the symptoms of an infected bite. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". There was minimal pain and bleeding. No drainage, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, or wheeze was reported. Your doctor may also recommend an X-ray to diagnose injuries to joints or bones or to see if there are any fragments from the cats teeth that may have broken off. And your cat loves you (in its own fashion). If the patient is allergic to penicillin, recommend doxycyline 100 mg b.i.d. One of the more common is a highly pathogenic bacterium, Pasteurella multocida. 2004 Oct;74(10):859-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03189.x. Cat bite: an injury not to underestimate. [Brusalis, 2017] Penetrating injuries are the most common (ex, cat scratch/bite). Additionally, cats' mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. Cat bites to the hand can be especially dangerous since tendon sheaths and joints are close to the surface in the hand and cat bites penetrate deeply. The pain almost drove me up the . An initial assessment of early cellulitis and right-hand pain secondary to the cat bite and fall was made. All rights reserved. [Polymicrobial osteomyelitis on the limb of the hand after a cat bite]. "Dogs' teeth are blunter, so they don't tend to penetrate as deeply and they tend to leave a larger wound after they bite," study senior author Dr. Brian Carlsen, a Mayo Clinic plastic surgeon and orthopedic hand surgeon, said in a clinic news release. Tendons And Ligaments In The Hand Are. del Mar Amador M, et al. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. ", "It can be just a pinpoint bite mark that can cause a real problem," he said, "because the bacteria get into the tendon sheath or into the joint where they can grow with relative protection from the blood and immune system.". "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. Cureus is on a mission to change the long-standing paradigm of medical publishing, where submitting research can be costly, complex and time-consuming. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. INTRODUCTION. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Sources: Babovic N, Carlsen BT, Cayci C. Cat Bite Infections of the Hand: Assessment of Morbidity and Predictors of Severe Infection. July 2012 edited July 2012. If you do get a cat bite, youll likely find out pretty quickly if its going to get infected. Cat bites can also lead to bone infection, and in extreme cases, septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition. loss of sensation in . Enechukwu AOM, Bucher F, Dastagir K, Jokuszies A, Vogt PM, Knneker S. Ann Med Surg (Lond). Would you like email updates of new search results? At six-weeks postoperative, Mr. H had full range of motion and increased strength in the right hand. If you cant capture the cat, you might need to start rabies vaccination as a precaution. Tenderness along the course of a tendon suggests spread to the tendon sheath. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. Empiric antibiotics for outpatient treatment usually include monotherapy with amoxicillin/clavulanate 500 mg orally 3 times a day or combined therapy with penicillin 500 mg orally 4 times a day (for E. corrodens, P. multocida, streptococci, and anaerobes) plus either a cephalosporin (eg, cephalexin 500 mg orally 4 times a day) or semisynthetic penicillin (eg, dicloxacillin 500 mg orally 4 times a day) for staphylococci. Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn. It is especially dangerous for a cat to bite the wrist or hand - all places where joints, bones and tendons are close to the surface. Uphold CR, Graham MV. But while a kitten bite may be cute, an adult cat bite can be painful. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Animal bites on your hand and fingers are common, especially from pets like dogs and cats. Yet most animal bites are avoidable: Understanding how to interact with animals, and staying aware of any signals of aggression or fear, are both critically important. Diagnosis of Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Cats Dont use harsh disinfectants or chemicals to clean the wound, as they may harm tissue and slow down healing. If you decide to delay medical care, watch closely for signs of infection. Complications included nerve involvement, abscesses and loss of joint mobility. Infection is the consequence of cat bites that medical professionals are most worried about. According to the study patients with bites directly over the wrist or any joint have a higher risk of hospitalization. The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the. Mr. H was unsure of the date of his last tetanus shot and reported that the cat is up to date on all immunizations. The study, published in the February issue of the Journal of Hand Surgery, also revealed that eight patients needed more than one surgical procedure, and some needed reconstructive surgery. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-23-01-47. There was full range of motion in the right wrist and all other digits of the right hand. Most cat bites are treated with antibiotics, with penicillin being the most commonly used drug. Keywords: Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Does the amount of Vitamin D you have affect your odds of getting multiple sclerosis? Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. Introduction. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9357. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. A doctor will decide if the wound needs stitches or surgery to heal properly. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Results were negative for fracture, dislocation, and lytic or blastic lesions. (2021). Terms of Use. Use to remove results with certain terms Domestic cat bites are common and are often treated by simple wound care with good outcome. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. Theres also the risk that a cats teeth will break off during a bite and need to be extracted. How long after a cat bite does infection set in? You should not use this information in place of a consultation or the advice of your healthcare provider. Learn more about rabies in humans here. According to a 2016 case report, cat bites can injure a nerve in rare cases. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The skin was warm and dry to touch. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, a bump or blister where the bite wound is located, inability to use your hand (if your hands been bitten), you start having any serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, pus or fluid oozing from the wound, or swollen lymph nodes, the cat thats bitten you appears aggressive or acts strangely, the cat thats bitten you is unvaccinated against rabies or youre unsure if the cat is vaccinated against rabies. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. Pediatrics in review. Cat bites may look small, but they can turn into serious problems. Cat bites are serious! "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. Bacteria can be potentially seeded down into joints and tendon sheaths, far away from where it would be immediately noticed. "They can be very serious. These red streaks are from the infection traveling down your lymph system. This data suggests that a lot of cat bites come when petting or interacting with cats. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Roughly 400,000 cat bites occur in the United States each year. Apparently, cats have a bacteria in their saliva that aids in their digestion, which can be lethal if it gets into a human being's blood stream. She said because she was uninsured the hospital wrote off some of the bill but she is still making payments. The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. Another 154 were treated with oral antibiotics as outpatients, although 21 of them eventually had to be hospitalized. While cat bites look a lot smaller than dog bites, cat bites have certain features that make them more dangerous. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Cat bite; animal bite; infection. J Hand Surg Am. Microorganisms. Signs and Symptoms Signs that your bite may be infected include: Swelling Redness Warmth Continued pain beyond 24 hours Drainage from the wound Signs that your infection may be spreading include: Red streaks up the arm or forearm Swollen glands around the elbow or in the armpit Fever Tiredness Night sweats Shakes In severe cases, surgery may be required to clean out the infected areas. We've visualized two studie We've visualized the results of a new clinical trial that compared butter, cocon How long does COVID-19 live on Plastic? The most common cause of human bites is a tooth-induced injury to the metacarpophalangeal joint as a result of a punch to the mouth (clenched fist injury). Noninfected bite wounds may require surgical debridement and prophylaxis with 50% of the dose of antibiotic used to treat infected wounds. Thirty percent (n = 57) of patients with cat bites to the hand were hospitalized. A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. Cat bites carry other risks besides infections. If left untreated, cat bite infections can spread to other parts of the body, causing a condition called septicemia (blood poisoning), which requires hospitalization. He described severe nonradiating pain to his right hand and second digit unrelieved by Vicodin or Naprosyn. Through this website and links to other websites, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD provides general information for educational purposes only. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. Use soap and water or an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Osteomyelitis following domestic animal bites to the hand: Two case reports and practical guidelines. eCollection 2022. 2019 Dec;53(6):341-346. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1637750. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. The researchers said 57 of the patients who were bitten needed to be hospitalized, but only 36 had been admitted immediately after seeking medical treatment. 2006 Nov-Dec;106(6):692-5. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2006.11679983. A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. Stress the importance of immediately washing the wound with antiseptic solution and water and seeking immediate evaluation. Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. Cats carry many bacteria in their mouths capable of causing infections in bite wounds. Protected from the immune system, a cat bite infection can rapidly spread. Animal bites usually contain multiple potential pathogens, including Pasteurella multocida (particularly in cat bites), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. Common symptoms are localized bone pain and tenderness with constitutional symptoms (in acute read more . Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. Immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection from these bacteria. While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. Follow-up evaluation should focus on early detection and diagnosis of tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. National Library of Medicine Brian Carlsen, a researcher on the study and orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, said cat's fangs penetrate the skin and push bacteria deep into joints and tissue, causing infection. These include: An infection from a cat bite may set in within a few hours, but it can take 10 days or more for some infections, like cat-scratch disease, to start showing symptoms. Animal mouths contain a lot of bacteria which is why you want to wash it out with soap and water for around 5 minutes. No fevers, chills, increased redness, or swelling was noted. Brought to you by Merck & Co, Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside the US and Canada) dedicated to using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Though house cats are often vaccinated against the most serious diseases, like rabies, stray cats arent usually vaccinated and can carry several diseases. Capillary refill to the upper extremities measured fewer than three seconds. Cat bites with infections can become not only painful, but also red or discolored, and swollen. Complications were common among these patients. There is no such thing as a simple cat bite, yet most patients are unaware of the potential for harm, and they delay or fail to seek immediate evaluation and treatment. Preoperative Antibiotics Influence Culture Yield in the Treatment of Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Infections. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. Mr. H was diagnosed with a septic joint, scheduled for incision and drainage, and admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. Acta Chir Belg. You may need to begin rabies treatment if the cat thats bitten you shows any rabies symptoms. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. Epidemiology However, delayed presentation may lead to significant morbidity or even mortality. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. Dog bites take about twice as long to set in. Bone or joint pain, abdominal pain (without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), or excessive tiredness for more than 2 . Any time the skin is punctured, you will experience some level of discomfort, but this initial pain should subside.
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