PMC Never try to separate cats who are fighting. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Capillary refill to the upper extremities measured fewer than three seconds. During a bite, a cat's tooth might also transfer pathogens commonly found on human skin ( Staphylococcus and Streptococcus) into underlying tissues, creating a "cocktail" of bacterial contamination. 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. Of those, 57 were hospitalized; on average, they were in the hospital three days. Keywords: The pain almost drove me up the wall.". 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. "I washed the wounds on my wrist and put antiseptic on them," Bothun said. "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. There was limited range of motion at the PIP joint on the second digit. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. In areas where MRSA is prevalent, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, doxycycline, or linezolid should be used instead of a cephalosporin. . Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. By joining Cureus, you agree to our They are most often located on the upper extremities and are almost always accompanied by scratches [2-4]. Discomfort. According to Poison Control, CSD is usually not serious, but people with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing a more serious infection. In cat bite wounds, they are followed by Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria and Moraxella spp. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. 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). You need to remove the . Cat and dog bites. They respond aggressively when their home is disturbed, biting and injecting venom. 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. Noninfected bite wounds may require surgical debridement and prophylaxis with 50% of the dose of antibiotic used to treat infected wounds. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. Cats bite mostly on hands, arms or legs. In fact, the infection rate from a cat bite is fairly high. If a cat hasnt been vaccinated for rabies, contact a doctor to decide if you need treatment known as rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). 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. Zoonotic disease: What can I catch from my cat? Before joining Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, he completed a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the prestigiousPhiladelphia Hand Center. "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. Pasteurella multocida infections. Nelson CA, et al. Immediately wash the wound under running water. However, more severe reactions can occur, and rashes can develop. 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. Results were negative for fracture, dislocation, and lytic or blastic lesions. Keywords: Sbai MA, et al. The study showed that administering antibiotics failed in 21 of the 193 patients, who later received treatment in the hospital. Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. Almost 40% of cases had flexor tendon sheath infection of the fingers. All rights reserved. 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. In severe cases, surgery may be . No fevers, chills, increased redness, or swelling was noted. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. I now fear joint or bone or tendon . 1. (2016). Avoidance of bites, prompt wound management, and judicious use of antibiotics decrease antimicrobial resistance and infection incidence. If the wound is bleeding, dont stop blood flow; in fact, try to encourage bleeding by gently pressing the area around the wound. And your cat loves you (in its own fashion). 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 The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. "They can be very serious. Bula-Rudas FJ, et al. Part 2 Seek Medical Care for Severe Bites 1 Go to the doctor if your bite is too serious for you to care for it adequately. government site. The .gov means its official. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. If you suspect youve been bitten by a bat, its important to seek medical attention as soon as, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Pasteurella species was isolated from 35% of infected wounds. A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. Mr. Hs medical history included hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and tobacco abuse. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, et al. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use OR to account for alternate terms An official website of the United States government. The average length of stay for these patients was 3.2 days. Osteomyelitis following domestic animal bites to the hand: Two case reports and practical guidelines. From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. Rabies is rare but deadly. At the hand, where cats most often bite . Treatment of infected bite wounds of the hand includes surgical debridement, with the wound left open, and antibiotics. Dog and cat bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only 1 to 3 cases in the United States each year. The list above outlines the symptoms of an infected bite. 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. 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. 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. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage. It has to pierce deep enough to get into the muscle where there is a good amount of blood flow. There is a remarkable amount of research around cat bites. Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks. 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. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. There was full range of motion in the right wrist and all other digits of the right hand. Stay away from stray or feral cats. Numbness, pain and weakness may be symptoms of it. and National Library of Medicine Theres also the risk that a cats teeth will break off during a bite and need to be extracted. Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. Some people need surgery, though. Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect your lower arm to the bones in your fingers. Cats, like many other mammals, can carry rabies. and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. A doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to fight off the infection. According to a 2016 case report, cat bites can injure a nerve in rare cases. Cat bite - what to do? Tendons and ligaments in the hand are especially delicate. 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). What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? 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. 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. Introduction. You should be especially careful if the wound is around your wrist area. In the study, researchers identified 193 Mayo Clinic patients with cat bites to the hand from January 1, 2009, through 2011. . You should not use this information in place of a consultation or the advice of your healthcare provider. Epub 2022 Jul 20. Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. If left untreated, infections can potentially lead to scarring, tissue loss, or even life threatening sepsis. Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. The second digit was warm to touch, red, and swollen. 28 Dog bites cause approximately 0.4 percent of emergency department visits and account for 60. The index finger was the most common site of injury (45%). Skin infections, known as cellulitis, can occur quickly after a bite. 2. Stress the importance of immediately washing the wound with antiseptic solution and water and seeking immediate evaluation. Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. MeSH Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Cat bite injuries to the hand can progress to serious infection. There are tons of dangerous bacteria flourishing inside a cats mouth. Therapeutic III. Disclaimer. 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 skin and joints, increasing the risk for serious infection. 5. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. 2022 Oct;35(5):498-499. doi: 10.37201/req/009.2022. Wounds are not closed after initial treatment so that any . Does the amount of Vitamin D you have affect your odds of getting multiple sclerosis? Animal bites that dont break your skin, as well as scratches that just graze the surface of your skin, have a minimal risk of infection. Polymers (Basel). 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; The site is secure. 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. Can taking antioxidants protect you against cancer? . official website and that any information you provide is encrypted "The bites lead to serious infections that can require multiple hospitalizations, antibiotics and sometimes surgery," Carlsen said. Tenderness along the course of a tendon suggests spread to the tendon sheath. Briefly, infected bites will often appear red and swollen. 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. 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). The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. and transmitted securely. red streaks that run up your hand and arm. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, recommend doxycyline 100 mg b.i.d. Recovery could take four to six months. Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. In most cases, bites that were positioned directly over the wrist or another joint were more likely to result in hospitalization than bites to soft tissue, the researchers said. You may need to begin rabies treatment if the cat thats bitten you shows any rabies symptoms. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. As for Mr. Bink's, she said they are still on good terms, but things have changed. This data suggests that a lot of cat bites come when petting or interacting with cats. Would you like email updates of new search results? J Hand Surg Am. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Uphold CR, Graham MV. MeSH terms Adult Aged Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. NCI CPTC Antibody Characterization Program. At the initial visit, Mr. H was alert and oriented. Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. When they bite you, they are essentially injecting bacteria deep into your skins tissue. 2021 Aug;70(8):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s00101-021-01003-9. Mr. H was unsure of the date of his last tetanus shot and reported that the cat is up to date on all immunizations. You should still clean the wound area with soap and water, but its unlikely you will have to take any action. Early treatment reduces the severity of many animal bites. A red area around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury. 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. Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. Would you like email updates of new search results? I still have a small bump from a cat that bit my hand around twenty-five years ago. While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. eCollection 2021 Sep. Strwald Y, Erdle B, Busch P, Kalbhenn J, Bansbach J. Anaesthesist. If you cant capture the cat, you might need to start rabies vaccination as a precaution. eCollection 2022. But bewareyour cat can make you sick. The patient appeared ill and uncomfortable. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). Pediatrics in review. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. Brandon P. Donnelly, MD When To Worry The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the worst places to be wounded - and that's just where most people get bitten by cats. This is a combination of a skin disorder (psoriasis) and . In more extreme cases, redirected aggression can cause a cat to lash out at her guardian and cause severe damage. Pulling away, Mr. H fell back and landed on a coffee table with his open right hand hyperextended. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). The bacteria injected by a cat bite can include a strain common in animals and particularly hard to fight with antibiotics, he says. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. Any time the skin is punctured, you will experience some level of discomfort, but this initial pain should subside. Can vitamin D help maintain muscle strength? Complications were common among these patients. 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. Of course, if the cat's fangs go in very deep, this could be worrisome and worth a doctor's visit! Clean bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water. Careers. Bookshelf In almost all states, a cat that has bitten a human or another domestic animal must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. Issues related to infectious tenosynovitis will be reviewed here. The information in this post is not a substitute for medical care. 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 Cat bites are exceptionally dangerous and prone to infection because a cat's needle-like teeth can push bacteria deep into flesh, tendons and joints. Keywords: Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. In the case of dogs and cats, thats not always the case. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. 2004 Oct;74(10):859-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03189.x. A peripherally inserted central catheter line was placed and IV ceftriaxone (Rocephin) administered. Does vitamin D play a role in your risk of dying from cancer? "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound, the infection would just get worse. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. 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 . The bites can even be so deep that they damage a victim's nerves, tendons and . Lim JS, et al. Kanavel's Signs: The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. It can be caused by overuse and repetitive movements like texting, playing video games, or writing. Diagnosis of Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Cats Wrist Tendonitis; DeQuervain's Tendonitis; Carpal Boss; Wrist Fractures; Distal Radius Fracture of the Wrist; Scaphoid Fractures of the wrist . Discharge instructions and wound-care handouts were provided. In severe cases, surgery may be required to clean out the infected areas. Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats. any link with venom from cat bite affecting central nervous system? Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. 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. Early treatment is beneficial in decreasing the risk of infection. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected. If you have some antibiotic cream such as neosporin, apply it. more serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever or muscle weakness. Patients with joint capsule penetration, tendon injury, or bites older than 24 hours were excluded. 1. You may need to be on antibiotics so get medical care. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. Patient demographics, medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory values, and long-term follow-up data were collected. 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. She said because she was uninsured the hospital wrote off some of the bill but she is still making payments. Dog or cat bites to the hands are the most severe injuries, often requiring surgical intervention and hospitalization.1 Infectious complications occur in approximately 50% of cat bites. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Cat bites can also lead to bone infection, and in extreme cases, septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. Risk factors associated with hospitalization included smoking, immunocompromised state, and location of bite over a joint or tendon sheath. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Cat bites carry other risks besides infections. Enechukwu AOM, Bucher F, Dastagir K, Jokuszies A, Vogt PM, Knneker S. Ann Med Surg (Lond). Cats, meanwhile, have sharp teeth and that dramatically increases the risk for a cat bite infection. Purpose: 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. Common symptoms are localized bone pain and tenderness with constitutional symptoms (in acute read more . Millions of people are bitten by animals every year. If you dont know the rabies status of the animal, try to locate it and call animal control. . The site is secure. 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. Be sure to stay calm if you are bitten by a cat. Cat-scratch disease in the United States, 20052013. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Type of study/level of evidence: Your sharp, long teeth can leave deep punctate injuries. Positive tactile response to the digits of the right hand was achieved. "A bite on the thigh probably isn't an issue because the cat probably just bites the fat," Carlsen said. Time from bite to presentation, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values at presentation were not associated with hospitalization. A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. Nerve injury: It's possible for the nerves to be damaged when a cat bites you. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. Educating the patient about the importance of early management and immediate follow-up can reduce the risk of adverse sequelae and the potential costs of hospitalization and post-bite management. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. National Library of Medicine Open wound of wrist, hand and fingers ( S61) S61.451A is a billable ICD-10 code used to specify a medical diagnosis of open bite of right hand, initial encounter. 2006;31:468-473. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. Use to remove results with certain terms To care for your wound at home, follow these steps: If the following symptoms occur, seek medical attention: If you have a pet cat, make sure to take them to regular veterinary visits to stay updated on vaccines. They may take a culture swab to help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. Use for phrases Dog bites take about twice as long to set in. 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. J Hand Surg Am. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. A cat bite is quite common and should always be treated by a doctor. But remember, if you are bitten, prompt medical care is required to prevent serious, even long-term complications from a cat bite infection. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies MeSH WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Methods: "When the cat bites the hand, the joints and tendons are protected with fluid and there is no circulation so bacteria can grow like crazy, making treatment longer in some case.". 0. Wrist tendonitis is irritation and inflammation of the tendons at the wrist joint. The 2023 edition of ICD-10-CM S61.451A became effective on October 1, 2022. [Hyatt, 2017] Patients often present 2-5 days after an injury. 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. It was strongly advised that the patient follow up the next day, but Mr. H declined. Watch the area carefully to see if there are signs of damaged nerves or tendons. Before You may have to try a few different chemical and nonchemical approaches to get rid of bedbugs, especially if you have a large infestation. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Relatively few bites occur on the leg (9%) suggesting that walking away from a frightened cat may be a good strategy.

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