2021 Nov 1;71:102993. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102993. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Be sure to stay calm if you are bitten by a cat. 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. These findings should increase concern for a severe infection and warrant hospitalization and urgent consultation with a hand surgeon. eCollection 2022 Jan-Mar. government site. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. (2014). Pasteurella multocida infections. Microorganisms. These bites may look harmless, but it is important to take immediate medical action after the initial injury. Do not allow kittens and young cats to play with your hands. Complications were common among these patients. Anesthetic Management Using the Oxygen Reserve Index for Tracheal Resection and Tracheal End-to-E A Scoping Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on Kidney Transplant Patients in the United States, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Research, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Department of Neurosurgery, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Contemporary Reviews in Neurology and Neurosurgery, DMIMS School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Simulation, Biodesign, & Innovation In Medical Education, The Florida Medical Student Research Publications, University of Florida-Jacksonville Neurosurgery, VCOM Clinical, Biomedical, and Educational Research, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology, International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, International Pediatric Simulation Society, Medical Society of Delaware Academic Channel, Society for Healthcare & Research Development, Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors: Clinical Case Review, Clinical and Economic Benefits of Autologous Epidermal Grafting, Defining Health in the Era of Value-Based Care, Optimization Strategies for Organ Donation and Utilization, MR-Guided Radiation Therapy: Clinical Applications & Experiences, Multiple Brain Metastases: Exceptional Outcomes from Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Proton Therapy: Advanced Applications for the Most Challenging Cases, Radiation Therapy as a Modality to Create Abscopal Effects: Current and Future Practices, Clinical Applications and Benefits Using Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Therapy for Incision and Surrounding Soft Tissue Management, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation, NPWT with Instillation and Dwell: Clinical Results in Cleansing and Removal of Infectious Material with Novel Dressings. Univariate and multivariate statistical regression were used to analyze the data. Cats, like many other mammals, can carry rabies. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. (2016). Cat bites only account for 10-15% of animal bites reported by emergency rooms, but they pose a much greater risk of infection. Though cats are soft and cuddly, they may bite or scratch when theyre spooked. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. Bookshelf Recovery could take four to six months. cat bites Pasteurella (most common, 70-80% of cat bite infections) Pasteurella multocida and Pasteurella septica causes intense pain, swelling in 48h other organisms similar to dog bites Associated conditions secondary bacterial infection most bites do not become infected risk factors for infection bite to hand, foot, or major joint Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. Patients with joint capsule penetration, tendon injury, or bites older than 24 hours were excluded. The more severe the bruising or bleeding looks, the worse the bite is. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9357. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments. Extensor Tendon Injuries are traumatic injuries to the extensor tendons that can be caused by laceration, trauma, or overuse. Human and animal bites. eCollection 2022. You may need to begin rabies treatment if the cat thats bitten you shows any rabies symptoms. Carlsen said the study showed the hand and wrist are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making outpatient antibiotic treatment hard. Here are some of the potential infectious diseases that can happen after a cat bite: Pasteurella multocida is a type of bacteria frequently found in the mouths of cats that can cause infections after a bite or scratch. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003778. The condition can cause pain when you grip and lift objects or move your wrist or fingers. Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on. A three-year Mayo Clinic study of nearly 200 cases between 2009-2011 found that one third of patients suffering from cat bite infections were hospitalized and two-thirds of those patients required surgery. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. According to the study patients with bites directly over the wrist or any joint have a higher risk of hospitalization. 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. Diagnosis of Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Cats The study showed that administering antibiotics failed in 21 of the 193 patients, who later received treatment in the hospital. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, Williams CS, Visotsky JL. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Cat bite - what to do? Stress the importance of immediately washing the wound with antiseptic solution and water and seeking immediate evaluation. He described a nonradiating pain in the tip of the second digit with limited flexion. What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? This is a combination of a skin disorder (psoriasis) and . Here's how. government site. A cat bite on the hand can turn into a hospital stay, according to a new study. Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. Cat bites and scratches: Sometimes more than just a cut. Common symptoms are localized bone pain and tenderness with constitutional symptoms (in acute read more . If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. A cat bite is quite common and should always be treated by a doctor. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. . If youre bitten by a stray, it may be necessary to capture the animal so it can be observed. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. more serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever or muscle weakness. However, play it safe by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water. Weve summarized the best studies we could find below to cover everything you wanted to know, or perhaps didnt want to know, about cat bites. In severe cases, surgery may be required to clean out the infected areas. Tendon rupture: When a tendon separates from the tissue, in part or completely, it is supposed to be attached to, a tendon rupture occurs. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. Dr. Donnelly is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in injuries and ailments of the hand, wrist, and elbow. Stay away from stray or feral cats. Fever. The information in this post is not a substitute for medical care. Published by: Ingrid King. Infections occur as a result of a combination of the oral flora of the animal and the human skin flora. 28 Dog bites cause approximately 0.4 percent of emergency department visits and account for 60. Purpose: 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. Your sharp, long teeth can leave deep punctate injuries. We cannot answer questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. Debridement including removal of foreign material associated with open fractures and or dislocations; skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia, muscle, and bone (11012) Debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle (11043) Debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone (11044) Excisional preparation or creation of recipient site . Brandon P. Donnelly, MD is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site. Zoonotic disease: What can I catch from my cat? Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Dry the bite first, to help the Band Aid stick. July 2012 edited July 2012. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand following a cat bite. Am Fam Physician. While all bites carry bacteria, your body manages to fend off most infections from dog bites. 2006;31:468-473. What to do? 20 The trial was terminated because of high rates of infection with wound care alone (47%). eCollection 2021 Sep. Strwald Y, Erdle B, Busch P, Kalbhenn J, Bansbach J. Anaesthesist. Pet owners must be made aware of the seriousness of a cat bite. When the injury has occurred, wash the wound with soap and then apply antiseptics. Bleeding may help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into the wound. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". and transmitted securely. Cat bite infections of the hand: assessment of morbidity and predictors of severe infection. And of course, most of us will pet stray cats we meet along the way, but not all seemingly friendly cats remain friendly after being approached by strangers. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of S61.451A - other international versions of ICD-10 S61.451A may differ. 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. Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high risk of infection. Kheiran A, Palial V, Rollett R, Wildin CJ, Chatterji U, Singh HP. 5. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. If you dont know the rabies status of the animal, try to locate it and call animal control. . When the bite is on the hand (and other research has shown that up to 85 percent of cat bites occur on the hand or wrist), the puncture may easily pierce a joint or the membrane sheath. "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. tenderness or pain under your elbow or armpit due to swollen lymph nodes. Cureus. In these cases, the researchers said, the wound should be treated aggressively. Before joining Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, he completed a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the prestigiousPhiladelphia Hand Center. The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the worst places to be wounded and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. He described severe nonradiating pain to his right hand and second digit unrelieved by Vicodin or Naprosyn. The infection resides in synovial or periarticular tissues and is usually bacterialin younger adults read more and osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is inflammation and destruction of bone caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected, another study reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. . All patients recently treated at our institution for cat bite injuries to the hand were retrospectively reviewed. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year. Obviously, the best bite is the one that has been prevented. When a cat bites, it may not seem like a big deal it can be cute when theyre playing but some cat bites can pose significant health risks. Cat bites to the hand are so dangerous, 1 in 3 patients with such wounds had to be hospitalized, a Mayo Clinic study covering three years showed. This virus is almost always fatal when untreated, but its extremely rare. But if an unvaccinated cat has bitten you, you must take the bite seriously. Infection is the consequence of cat bites that medical professionals are most worried about. She said what followed was eight weeks in and out of the hospital, two weeks of surgery every other day to flush the infection out of the wound and remove infected tissue, and antibiotics to treat the rampant infection. Rabies is caused by a virus and can be transmitted by bites and scratches from an infected animal, often a dog. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before Meanwhile, 80 percent of the patients were initially prescribed oral antibiotics, the researchers said. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. In areas where MRSA is prevalent, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, doxycycline, or linezolid should be used instead of a cephalosporin. Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. No fevers, chills, increased redness, or swelling was noted. Epidemiology Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. Physical examination findings of erythema and swelling at presentation were also associated with increased risk of hospitalization. . Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. The skin usually flaps over the bite, thereby sealing off . 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. Terms of Use. Noninfected bite wounds may require surgical debridement and prophylaxis with 50% of the dose of antibiotic used to treat infected wounds. 6. The fear is that bacteria from the person's skin or from the cat's or dog's mouth gains access to a part of the body that is like a freeway for the bacteria to spread quickly the tendons. 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. Acta Chir Belg. The bites can even be so deep that they damage a victim's nerves, tendons and . [Polymicrobial osteomyelitis on the limb of the hand after a cat bite]. 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. They may take a culture swab to help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. Prescribing an antibiotic prophylactically has shown to reduce the rate of infection from cat bites. There was limited range of motion at the PIP joint on the second digit. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage. A doctor will decide if the wound needs stitches or surgery to heal properly. The most common symptoms of infection from a cat bite include: redness or discoloration swelling inflammation warmth a bump or blister where the bite wound is located More serious symptoms of. Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect your lower arm to the bones in your fingers. In the study, researchers identified 193 Mayo Clinic patients with cat bites to the hand from January 1, 2009, through 2011. Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn. Animal bites usually contain multiple potential pathogens, including Pasteurella multocida (particularly in cat bites), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. Within a couple of hours the area was in severe pain, swollen, and red. Although the diagnosis of infected bite wounds of the hand is clinical, x-rays should be taken to detect fracture or teeth or other foreign bodies that could be a nidus of continuing infection. At six-weeks postoperative, Mr. H had full range of motion and increased strength in the right hand. At the hand, where cats most often bite . 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. The pain was markedly worse during second-digit flexion attempts or when pressure was applied. red streaks that run up your hand and arm. left hand was severely bitten by a cat that animal control brought in. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies 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. Disclaimer. Fire ants are found in many southern U.S. states. 2022 Feb 23;14(5):867. doi: 10.3390/polym14050867. Signs and symptoms warranting earlier evaluation (e.g., fever, chills, increasing edema, erythema, numbness, drainage, and pain) were discussed. But remember, if you are bitten, prompt medical care is required to prevent serious, even long-term complications from a cat bite infection. Copyright 2023 Haymarket Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. There are a few people, that develop severe allergic reactions to flea bites and can get irritated by a single bite. Additionally, cats' mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. The patient was able to return to work. Dr. Philip Schwarzman answered. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Study shows 1 in 3 people who sought medical treatment for a cat bite on the hand were hospitalized, Most common cat bite victims are middle-age women. Because cat bites usually cover a small area, you will probably be able to cover it with an over-the-counter adhesive Band Aid. The wound canal can reach into a joint or onto a bone. An official website of the United States government. Bookshelf Conclusions: Cat bite injuries to the hand can progress to serious infection. Results: First, be sure to clean the wound. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. Adult cats bite out of fear, to assert dominance, or to demand attention. According to Poison Control, CSD is usually not serious, but people with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing a more serious infection. a tendon lesion or a purulent flexor . From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. While cat bites look a lot smaller than dog bites, cat bites have certain features that make them more dangerous. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. 2019 Dec;53(6):341-346. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1637750. If a cat bite breaks your skin, you should seek medical attention if: A cat bite carries a high risk of infection and can be dangerous. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. Cat and dog bites. Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. Cats can also injure their tendons or ligaments slowly over time as a result of repetitive straining, overexertion, or fatigue. MeSH terms Adult Aged Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 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. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. Clinical Guidelines in Family Practice. Careers. An infectious disease consultation was ordered. Read on to learn more about symptoms and how to prevent bug bites. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biological sciences from. Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal (See also complex read more .). Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn 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. Lesions caused by human and domestic and wild animal bites. I now fear joint or bone or tendon . Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. 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. for three to five days or one double-strength trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole tablet b.i.d. A fever is considered a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! If the cat who bit you was not current on his rabies vaccination or was a stray with unknown vaccination status, you may need to undergo prophylactic treatment for rabies. In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. Nelson CA, et al. Close more info about Pain, tingling, and limited range of motion after a cat bite to the finger, Lori L. Henderson, DNP-c, MSN , APNP-BC, and Teri Kaul, PhD, APRN, Botched cryotherapy procedure leads to painful bullous lesion. Mr. Hs right-hand wounds were cleansed with antibacterial soap, betadine wash, and sterile water rinse. "We don't play like we used to," Bothun said. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. loss of mobility in your finger or hand. reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. Is It Bedbugs, Other Bug Bites, or a Rash? Psoriatic arthritis. Follow-up evaluation should focus on early detection and diagnosis of tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. The information shared in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Can antioxidants supercharge your brain power? 2021 Aug;70(8):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s00101-021-01003-9. Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. The warm and dark inner layers of your skin are optimal for the growth of the bacteria. "A bite on the thigh probably isn't an issue because the cat probably just bites the fat," Carlsen said. A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. Regardless of how a cat bite happens, it is not something to take lightly. Cat bites carry other risks besides infections. All rights reserved. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. The CDC says that the incubation period for rabies (time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms) can be weeks to months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only 1 to 3 cases in the United States each year. You should still clean the wound area with soap and water, but its unlikely you will have to take any action. 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. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! 'A cat bite is much worse than a dog or rat bite. 4th ed., Gainesville Fla.: Barmarrae Books; 2003. A. of nearly 200 cases between 2009-2011 found that one third of patients suffering from cat bite infections were hospitalized and two-thirds of those patients required surgery. Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] 2022 Mar 24;7(1):e21.00084. The small but deep puncture wounds are. If a cat hasnt been vaccinated for rabies, contact a doctor to decide if you need treatment known as rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP).
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