The CDC says that the incubation period for rabies (time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms) can be weeks to months. Results: tenderness or pain under your elbow or armpit due to swollen lymph nodes. On physical examination, BP was 118/80, pulse 106, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, temperature 99.9F, and pulse oxygenation 98%. Which means there are very few white blood cells to fight the bacteria, and they have an easy time infecting your tendon cells. Your physician may also recommend a tetanus shot. While all bites carry bacteria, your body manages to fend off most infections from dog bites. 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. 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. Patients with joint capsule penetration, tendon injury, or bites older than 24 hours were excluded. Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. We identified 193 patients in a 3-year period between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. Fire ants are found in many southern U.S. states. Wrist tendon pain usually goes away with rest, medication, injections or splinting. Cats dont have more bacteria in their mouths than dogs. Wound cultures were significant for Pasteurella multocida. 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. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. Clean bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water. Laboratory findings showed erythrocyte sedimentation rate 28 mm/hour, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein 14.5 mg/L, WBC 10,0000/l, RBC 3.77 106/l, hemoglobin 12.3 g/dL, and hematocrit 35.3%. When they bite you, they are essentially injecting bacteria deep into your skins tissue. Complications were common among these patients. Dog bites take about twice as long to set in. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Kittens bite, mouth, and paw things to explore their worldthey're all natural behaviors. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. 0. And while cuts. . 2021 Aug;70(8):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s00101-021-01003-9. Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath in Guyon's Canal Causing Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. By joining Cureus, you agree to our (See also Overview and Evaluation of Hand Disorders Overview and Evaluation of Hand Disorders Common hand disorders include a variety of deformities, ganglia, infections, Kienbck disease, nerve compression syndromes, noninfectious tenosynovitis, and osteoarthritis. It can be caused by overuse and repetitive movements like texting, playing video games, or writing. If the wound is bleeding, dont stop blood flow; in fact, try to encourage bleeding by gently pressing the area around the wound. Frost Bite most commonly injures your ears and nose. Skin infections, known as cellulitis, can occur quickly after a bite. Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. The right arm was placed in a sling for elevation of the extremity. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. 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. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, et al. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. cat bite hand cellulitis lymphangitis hand infection. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). Cats bite for a variety of reasons. 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. Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. (2014). Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. 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 If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. 8600 Rockville Pike for three to five days. A 29-year-old woman with fever after a cat bite. While cat bites look a lot smaller than dog bites, cat bites have certain features that make them more dangerous. At the initial visit, Mr. H was alert and oriented. - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . The skin on the second digit of the right hand showed significant edema and erythema circumferentially (Figure 1). In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Before joining Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, he completed a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the prestigiousPhiladelphia Hand Center. We write about feline health, nutrition, lifestyle, and so many other interesting topics! Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. The site is secure. But if an unvaccinated cat has bitten you, you must take the bite seriously. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days in Group A, and 9.2 days in Group B, (p < .01). Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. a tendon lesion or a purulent flexor . In these cases, the researchers said, the wound should be treated aggressively. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Guidelines for the treatment of cat and dog bites in humans. 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. for 10 days. Cat bites can also lead to bone infection, and in extreme cases, septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition. Sources: Babovic N, Carlsen BT, Cayci C. Cat Bite Infections of the Hand: Assessment of Morbidity and Predictors of Severe Infection. 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. Would you like email updates of new search results? Epub 2019 Jul 9. 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. You may have to try a few different chemical and nonchemical approaches to get rid of bedbugs, especially if you have a large infestation. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0372-2022. MeSH Stress the importance of immediately washing the wound with antiseptic solution and water and seeking immediate evaluation. Does vitamin D play a role in your risk of dying from cancer? It has to pierce deep enough to get into the muscle where there is a good amount of blood flow. 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. FOIA . Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. 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. These findings should increase concern for a severe infection and warrant hospitalization and urgent consultation with a hand surgeon. However, more severe reactions can occur, and rashes can develop. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. 20 . Published by: Ingrid King. Dutton LK, Hinchcliff KM, Logli AL, Mallett KE, Suh GA, Rizzo M. JB JS Open Access. 2004 Oct;74(10):859-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03189.x. . For an infection to set in, bacteria need time to get settled and multiply in your body which is why there is a delay between a bite and any infection symptoms. loss of mobility in your finger or hand. 1. 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. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. A serious infection can develop 24-48 hours after being bitten. 2022 Oct;35(5):498-499. doi: 10.37201/req/009.2022. Cat bites are more frequent in the mornings, in the summer, and in spring [4]. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. Cat bites need to be taken seriously and carefully evaluated by doctors, the study authors said. Eleven patients (Group A) were presented within 48 hours of their injury. government site. Does the amount of Vitamin D you have affect your odds of getting multiple sclerosis? 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). Occasionally an infection can cause tendinitis, especially infection from a cat or dog bite to the hand or a finger. If left untreated, cat bite infections can spread to other parts of the body, causing a condition called septicemia (blood poisoning), which requires hospitalization. Though house cats are often vaccinated against the most serious diseases, like rabies, stray cats arent usually vaccinated and can carry several diseases. Keywords: J Hand Surg Am. del Mar Amador M, et al. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand following a cat bite. No fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest pain, or palpitations were reported. Watch the area carefully to see if there are signs of damaged nerves or tendons. The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. 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. J Hand Surg Am. "Cats' teeth are sharp and can penetrate very deeply. Fever. Risk factors associated with hospitalization included smoking, immunocompromised state, and location of bite over a joint or tendon sheath. Obviously, the best bite is the one that has been prevented. Of those, 57 were hospitalized; on average, they were in the hospital three days. Its not something you want to take any chances with. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. Adult cats bite out of fear, to assert dominance, or to demand attention. Of the hospitalized patients, 67% (n = 38) underwent irrigation and debridement, with 8 patients requiring more than 1 operation. 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%. Pediatrics in review. 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. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Therefore, its important to get an infection from a cat bite treated. COVID-19 Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. And your cat loves you (in its own fashion). The study showed that administering antibiotics failed in 21 of the 193 patients, who later received treatment in the hospital. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. Dont use harsh disinfectants or chemicals to clean the wound, as they may harm tissue and slow down healing. Multiple scratch wounds of various lengths across the dorsum of the right hand were nondraining and erythematous. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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). Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. 2019 Dec;53(6):341-346. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1637750. INTRODUCTION. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. 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. Tendon rupture: When a tendon separates from the tissue, in part or completely, it is supposed to be attached to, a tendon rupture occurs. What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on. The bacteria injected by a cat bite can include a strain common in animals and particularly hard to fight with antibiotics, he says. Deep puncture wounds from animal bites become morbid if not promptly tended and closely followed. Check for signs such as bruising, punctured skin, bleeding, and objects stuck in the wound. Acta Chir Belg. To assess the overall morbidity of cat bites to the hand and identify risk factors for hospitalization after such an injury. Type of study/level of evidence: Privacy Policy An infectious disease consultation was ordered. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. Can taking antioxidants protect you against cancer? July 2012 edited July 2012. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of S61.451A - other international versions of ICD-10 S61.451A may differ. The drug of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg b.i.d. The information in this post is not a substitute for medical care. Infection is the consequence of cat bites that medical professionals are most worried about. There were no signs of infection and no pain. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. "They can be very serious. The oral flora of humans includes Eikenella corrodens, staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. Methods: NCI CPTC Antibody Characterization Program. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. First, be sure to clean the wound. You should be especially careful if the wound is around your wrist area. Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high risk of infection. He described severe nonradiating pain to his right hand and second digit unrelieved by Vicodin or Naprosyn. Cat bite injuries to the hand can progress to serious infection. Cat bite - what to do? Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. for three to five days or one double-strength trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole tablet b.i.d. Cats carry many bacteria in their mouths capable of causing infections in bite wounds. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. for two weeks. 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. Careers. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. Conclusions: In cat bite wounds, they are followed by Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria and Moraxella spp. Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. If the cat's tooth reached your finger's tendon, it can be very difficult for your body to beat the infection. Before There was minimal pain and bleeding. National Library of Medicine Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. "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.". We avoid using tertiary references. If you have some antibiotic cream such as neosporin, apply it. 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 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. Uphold CR, Graham MV. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Microorganisms. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. What are the top 3 benefits of Vitamin E? Epidemiology fever or chills. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. The .gov means its official. Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. Kheiran A, Palial V, Rollett R, Wildin CJ, Chatterji U, Singh HP. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. Weber DJ, Wolfson JS, Swartz MN, Hooper DC. 2021 Nov 1;71:102993. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102993. Disclaimer. It can happen even with the most loving, docile cat: an overexcited cat nips her guardian while playing, or accidentally bites her guardians finger while accepting a treat. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. 2017 Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly Therapeutic III. Cats have thin sharp teeth that dig into skin and drive bacteria deep into the wound. 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. Source: Bacteriologic Analysis of Infected Dog and Cat Bites. The average length of stay for these patients was 3.2 days. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. But while a kitten bite may be cute, an adult cat bite can be painful. After being advised of the risk for infection, Mr. H agreed to follow up in three days or sooner if symptoms worsened. 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. Look at the bite to evaluate how severe the victim's condition is. Treatment of infected bite wounds of the hand includes surgical debridement, with the wound left open, and antibiotics. You should still clean the wound area with soap and water, but its unlikely you will have to take any action. Erythema and pain localized to the bite suggest infection. There was full range of motion in the right wrist and all other digits of the right hand. According to Poison Control, CSD is usually not serious, but people with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing a more serious infection. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Issues related to infectious tenosynovitis will be reviewed here. 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. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. 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. Roughly 400,000 cat bites occur in the United States each year. Read More, The Conscious Cat Product Guide features all of the best products for cats and cat lovers. loss of sensation in . The condition can cause pain when you grip and lift objects or move your wrist or fingers. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. How long after a cat bite does infection set in? The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Some bruising may develop, but the wound should heal within a week to 10 days. 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). According to a 2018 research review, infection occurs in about 50 percent of cat bites in children. The small but deep puncture wounds are. 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. . Human and other mammalian bite injuries of the hand: evaluation and management. A doctor may give you a tetanus vaccine booster if you havent had a tetanus vaccine in the last 5 years. - dog bite: - consider viridans strep, pasteurella multocida, bacteroides, fusobacterium, capnocytophaga; - prophylactic treatment: augmentin / amoxicillin or with allergy ( cipro + clindamycin) Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. Cat-scratch disease in the United States, 20052013.