fever or chills. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. 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. While five- to nine-year-old males are the principal victims of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. Cats bite for a variety of reasons. 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. If the cat's tooth reached your finger's tendon, it can be very difficult for your body to beat the infection. 6. 8600 Rockville Pike Careers. Animal mouths contain a lot of bacteria which is why you want to wash it out with soap and water for around 5 minutes. Disclaimer. The information shared in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of Haymarket Medias Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. a tendon lesion or a purulent flexor . 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. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. The pain almost drove me up the . This site is not intended to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Extensor Tendon Injuries are traumatic injuries to the extensor tendons that can be caused by laceration, trauma, or overuse. . "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. Common pathogens include Pasteurella species, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, anaerobes, Capnocytophaga, Moraxella, Corynebacterium, and Neisseria. He described a nonradiating pain in the tip of the second digit with limited flexion. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected, another study reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage. How long after a cat bite does infection set in? Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath in Guyon's Canal Causing Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome . 2017 Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly . Conclusions: An infectious disease consultation was ordered. "I thought I could manage them on my own but I couldn't move my wrist after a week.". - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . The patient appeared ill and uncomfortable. 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. ", "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.". 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 whereas with dog bites, the overall estimated infection rate is 2% to 20%. Acta Chir Belg. 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. Fire ants are found in many southern U.S. states. After being advised of the risk for infection, Mr. H agreed to follow up in three days or sooner if symptoms worsened. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average patient with a cat bite first noticed their infections about 12 hours after the bite. Treatment of hand infections using WALANT -when the anesthesiologist is not available: A retrospective cohort study. 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. Mr. H was diagnosed with a septic joint, scheduled for incision and drainage, and admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. 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. 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. Regardless of how a cat bite happens, it is not something to take lightly. Learn more about rabies in humans here. Avoidance of bites, prompt wound management, and judicious use of antibiotics decrease antimicrobial resistance and infection incidence. What to do? Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Pasteurella species was isolated from 35% of infected wounds. 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. We cannot answer questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. As for Mr. Bink's, she said they are still on good terms, but things have changed. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. - dog bite: - consider viridans strep, pasteurella multocida, bacteroides, fusobacterium, capnocytophaga; - prophylactic treatment: augmentin / amoxicillin or with allergy ( cipro + clindamycin) Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. Obviously, the best bite is the one that has been prevented. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, Williams CS, Visotsky JL. 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. Cat bites are serious! . Lim JS, et al. This means that the cat's saliva has a chance to enter the sealed-off areas of joints and tendons, which make a prime breeding ground for the . It can be caused by overuse and repetitive movements like texting, playing video games, or writing. If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. PMC Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. In areas where MRSA is prevalent, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, doxycycline, or linezolid should be used instead of a cephalosporin. Time from bite to presentation, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values at presentation were not associated with hospitalization. "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.". There is a remarkable amount of research around cat bites. 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. It has to pierce deep enough to get into the muscle where there is a good amount of blood flow. The patient was able to return to work. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening. The average length of stay for these patients was 3.2 days. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Wrist Tendonitis; DeQuervain's Tendonitis; Carpal Boss; Wrist Fractures; Distal Radius Fracture of the Wrist; Scaphoid Fractures of the wrist . 1984 May;63(3):133-54. (2017). "Cats' teeth are sharp and can penetrate very deeply. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. Cat bites and scratches: Sometimes more than just a cut. 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. Pasteurella multocida infections. for two weeks. Which means there are very few white blood cells to fight the bacteria, and they have an easy time infecting your tendon cells. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. for three to five days. About half the patients visited an emergency room, while the rest went to their primary-care physician. J Hand Surg Am. The Conscious Cat is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans. Through this website and links to other websites, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD provides general information for educational purposes only. In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. The skin was warm and dry to touch. . The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. A 29-year-old woman with fever after a cat bite. Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. Do not allow kittens and young cats to play with your hands. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Sbai MA, et al. Of course, if the cat's fangs go in very deep, this could be worrisome and worth a doctor's visit! Use soap and water or an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. From furniture, scratching posts, beds and toys to food dishes and litter boxes, youll find everything you need for your feline family members.View the Product Guide. The type of animal involved will determine the specific injury that occurs; cats have a weaker bite but sharper teeth, therefore cause deep puncture wounds, whilst dogs have a strong bite . Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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). Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. Mr. H was unable to perform full flexion of the second digit. . Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. Keywords: Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. What are the top 3 benefits of Vitamin E? The condition can cause pain when you grip and lift objects or move your wrist or fingers. Mr. H was sent to radiology for an x-ray to rule out fracture, dislocation, and signs of osteomyelitis. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. (2021). MeSH These red streaks are from the infection traveling down your lymph system. Epidemiology Medicine (Baltimore). Am Fam Physician. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. The study showed that administering antibiotics failed in 21 of the 193 patients, who later received treatment in the hospital. Pediatrics in review. Bats are one of the most common carriers of rabies. 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. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, et al. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage. Protected from the immune system, a cat bite infection can rapidly spread. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. Human and animal bites. You need to remove the . Your physician may also recommend a tetanus shot. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. 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. SEE MORE: Symptoms of Infected Cat Bite and Steps To Take For A Cat Bite. This is particularly true when patients develop inflamed skin and swelling. A cat bite is quite common and should always be treated by a doctor. Conclusions: Cat bite injuries to the hand can progress to serious infection. Accessibility Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the zone of injury. Cat bites can results in mild scarring, the raised area is probably a little scar tissue settling down. "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. Source: The management of bite wounds in children--a retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre. "We don't play like we used to," Bothun said. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, recommend doxycyline 100 mg b.i.d. Cat bite: An unusual cause of foot drop. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Wecannot answer individual questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. left hand was severely bitten by a cat that animal control brought in. The index finger was the most common site of injury (45%). The right arm was placed in a sling for elevation of the extremity. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Thirty percent (n = 57) of patients with cat bites to the hand were hospitalized. Kittens bite, mouth, and paw things to explore their worldthey're all natural behaviors. A prescription was given prophylactically for amoxicillin (Augmentin) 875 mg one orally b.i.d. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. All rights reserved. reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. Bacteria can be potentially seeded down into joints and tendon sheaths, far away from where it would be immediately noticed. Bula-Rudas FJ, et al. Bothun said she waited one week after her black cat, Mr. Binks, bit her hand to go to Saint Mary's Hospital, part of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The skin on the second digit of the right hand showed significant edema and erythema circumferentially (Figure 1). 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. If the cat is healthy after 10 days, there is no risk to the person who was bitten. An initial assessment of early cellulitis and right-hand pain secondary to the cat bite and fall was made. The most common symptoms of infection from a cat bite include: More serious symptoms of a cat bite infection include: You should also seek medical treatment as soon as possible if you start to experience these more serious symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be . Cats, like many other mammals, can carry rabies. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Capillary refill to the upper extremities measured fewer than three seconds. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. We write about feline health, nutrition, lifestyle, and so many other interesting topics! Arnica, a homeopathic remedy, can help prevent bruising, and Ledum can help prevent infection. Human and other mammalian bite injuries of the hand: evaluation and management. Use for phrases In fact, a 2013 research review showed that Pasteurella is the most common organism isolated from both cat and dog bites. Ellis R, et al. Can vitamin D help maintain muscle strength? Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. However, they can also bite or scratch if spooked or if they get defensive. But bewareyour cat can make you sick. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of S61.451A - other international versions of ICD-10 S61.451A may differ. Cats dont have more bacteria in their mouths than dogs. 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. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help (See also complex read more .). But if an unvaccinated cat has bitten you, you must take the bite seriously. 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. 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. This virus is almost always fatal when untreated, but its extremely rare. for three to five days. While the kitten grabbing at your hand and biting your fingers may be adorable, it wont be so adorable anymore when he has grown into an adult cat. A more serious infection may lead to pus or what looks like red streaks down your skin and may cause fever. pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/39/10/490, amjmed.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-9343%2816%2930081-X, e-aps.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.5999/aps.2016.43.6.590, orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/187998/1/424%20pub_thiry.pdf, wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/10/16-0115_article, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4575703/, vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/zoonotic-disease-what-can-i-catch-my-cat. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9357. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. If the wound is bleeding, dont stop blood flow; in fact, try to encourage bleeding by gently pressing the area around the wound. But while a kitten bite may be cute, an adult cat bite can be painful. Cat bites are more frequent in the mornings, in the summer, and in spring [4]. Please login or register first to view this content. Cat bite victims sometimes must have their wounds surgically irrigated or even have infected tissue removed, a procedure called debridement. COVID-19 Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. Some bruising may develop, but the wound should heal within a week to 10 days. 2022 Mar 24;7(1):e21.00084. Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about 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. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They are most often located on the upper extremities and are almost always accompanied by scratches [2-4]. The pain almost drove me up the wall.". 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. loss of mobility in your finger or hand. There was limited range of motion at the PIP joint on the second digit. Is It Bedbugs, Other Bug Bites, or a Rash? Dont try to capture the cat yourself. Privacy Policy The .gov means its official. 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. Within a couple of hours the area was in severe pain, swollen, and red. A dogs powerful jaws and blunt teeth tend to leave a larger wound, but they dont penetrate as deeply. Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. INTRODUCTION. 4th ed., Gainesville Fla.: Barmarrae Books; 2003. Cats can also injure their tendons or ligaments slowly over time as a result of repetitive straining, overexertion, or fatigue. (2016). Watch the area carefully to see if there are signs of damaged nerves or tendons. Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. Dont use harsh disinfectants or chemicals to clean the wound, as they may harm tissue and slow down healing. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Briefly, infected bites will often appear red and swollen. Diabetic fingers with established peripheral neuropathy were more likely to undergo amputation. Cats bite mostly on hands, arms or legs. Keywords: Results: If youre bitten by a stray, it may be necessary to capture the animal so it can be observed. If the wound is deep, if you see signs of infection as listed above, or if you have any other reason for concern, be sure to see your doctor. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. Disclaimer. After receiving his medical degree fromLouisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where he was awarded the Orthopedic Surgery award. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days in Group A, and 9.2 days in Group B, (p < .01). Patient demographics, medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory values, and long-term follow-up data were collected. In the Mayo Clinic study, eight of the 193 patients surveyed required more than one operation, and some had to have reconstructive surgery. 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. . These bites may look harmless, but it is important to take immediate medical action after the initial injury. 2014 Feb;39(2):286-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.11.003. You should also teach children how to properly handle pets and to make sure they arent doing anything to unintentionally hurt or scare a cat. . Epub 2022 Jul 20. 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. Carlsen said the study showed the hand and wrist are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making outpatient antibiotic treatment hard. Accessibility Terms of Use. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. Can low vitamin D increase risk of cancer? This then causes the wound to potentially close up around the bacteria, which can lead to an infection. They can seed bacteria in the joint and tendon sheaths. Cat-scratch disease in the United States, 20052013. Cat Bites: Dont Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment). Infection in these tissues can be very painful and difficult to treat. An official website of the United States government. In todays blog post, Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly discusses why the risk of a cat bite infection has become a growing concern. Domestic cat bites are common and are often treated by simple wound care with good outcome. And while cuts. 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. A peripherally inserted central catheter line was placed and IV ceftriaxone (Rocephin) administered. Cats have thin sharp teeth that dig into skin and drive bacteria deep into the wound. The best way to know if youre dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of them in your home. 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. Recovery could take four to six months. Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect your lower arm to the bones in your fingers. Before Cats are also the main reservoir of Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch disease, which was confirmed in the presented patient by serological examination. Dr. Kaul is the MSN and DNP Program Director and an associate professor at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. Here's how. Erythema and pain localized to the bite suggest infection. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). Current medications included lisinopril 10 mg daily and pravastatin 20 mg daily. Wear thick protective gloves when handling an injured or stray cat. I still have a small bump from a cat that bit my hand around twenty-five years ago. Positive tactile response to the digits of the right hand was achieved. While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. Additionally, cats' mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. Therapeutic III. The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. eCollection 2022 Jan-Mar. Their razor-sharp teeth and nails can puncture deeply, sometimes penetrating tissues, ligaments and tendons. While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. government site. for 10 days. The bacteria injected by a cat bite can include a strain common in animals and particularly hard to fight with antibiotics, he says. Tendons And Ligaments In The Hand Are. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. 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. Any time the skin is punctured, you will experience some level of discomfort, but this initial pain should subside. He was on day three of Augmentin and taking it as directed. J Hand Surg Am. (2016). With these locations, it's not hard for a cat to puncture a joint or the layer of membrane that covers a tendon. NCI CPTC Antibody Characterization Program. Skin infections, known as cellulitis, can occur quickly after a bite. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome.
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