Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. Treatment of hand infections using WALANT -when the anesthesiologist is not available: A retrospective cohort study. for 10 days. Within a couple of hours the area was in severe pain, swollen, and red. No fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest pain, or palpitations were reported. Cat bite; animal bite; infection. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. Cat bites can also lead to bone infection, and in extreme cases, septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition. They respond aggressively when their home is disturbed, biting and injecting venom. When you think about being bitten by an animal, smaller is better, right? A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage. 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. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, Williams CS, Visotsky JL. There is not very much bloodflow to the tendon sheath. Patients with clenched fist injuries tend to wait hours or days after the wound occurs before seeking medical attention, which increases the severity of the infection. Additionally, cats' mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. 1995 Aug;52(2):479-85, 489-90. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He is currently an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. 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. for two weeks. Immediately wash the wound under running water. Emergency Medicine 46 years experience. Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the zone of injury. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. In fact, a 2013 research review showed that Pasteurella is the most common organism isolated from both cat and dog bites. Bothun said she waited one week after her black cat, Mr. Binks, bit. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0372-2022. J Hand Surg Am. The pain almost drove me up the . Dont try to capture the cat yourself. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, Williams CS, Visotsky JL. (2014). What are the top 3 benefits of Vitamin E? Mr. Hs right-hand wounds were cleansed with antibacterial soap, betadine wash, and sterile water rinse. You should still clean the wound area with soap and water, but its unlikely you will have to take any action. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the 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. Eleven patients (Group A) were presented within 48 hours of their injury. 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. MeSH Polymers (Basel). Rabies is rare but deadly. 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. A cat bite is quite common and should always be treated by a doctor. Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. An official website of the United States government. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly is a native of Slidell, LA. The patient appeared ill and uncomfortable. Kheiran A, Palial V, Rollett R, Wildin CJ, Chatterji U, Singh HP. The wound canal can reach into a joint or onto a bone. eCollection 2021 Sep. Malizos KN, Papadopoulou ZK, Ziogkou AN, Rigopoulos N, Athanaselis ED, Varitimidis SE, Dailiana ZC. 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. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Immediately after the incident, Mr. H. washed his wounds with soap and water, applied antibiotic ointment, and took ibuprofen for pain relief. 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. Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. 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. Almost 40% of cases had flexor tendon sheath infection of the fingers. red streaks that run up your hand and arm. Symptoms include not only pain, but also numbness and paresthesia. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Am Fam Physician. Privacy Policy Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. INTRODUCTION. FOIA A doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to fight off the infection. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. First, be sure to clean the wound. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, clindamycin 300 mg orally every 6 hours can be used. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Bone or joint pain, abdominal pain (without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), or excessive tiredness for more than 2 . Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. The site is secure. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. The .gov means its official. Monitor the area over the following few days for any usual symptoms or pain. Methods: These findings should increase concern for a severe infection and warrant hospitalization and urgent consultation with a hand surgeon. The skin usually flaps over the bite, thereby sealing off . Mr. H, age 45 years, presented to the clinic following a cat bite to his right hand 14 hours prior. Cat bites are more frequent in the mornings, in the summer, and in spring [4]. The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. Type of study/level of evidence: Use for phrases 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 bites lead to serious infections that can require multiple hospitalizations, antibiotics and sometimes surgery," Carlsen said. Can vitamin D help maintain muscle strength? Cats, like many other mammals, can carry rabies. An infectious disease consultation was ordered. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). government site. Some people need surgery, though. a tendon lesion or a purulent flexor . This is a combination of a skin disorder (psoriasis) and . All rights reserved. Cat bites with infections can become not only painful, but also red or discolored, and swollen. Use OR to account for alternate terms Another 154 were treated with oral antibiotics as outpatients, although 21 of them eventually had to be hospitalized. Results were negative for fracture, dislocation, and lytic or blastic lesions. Epub 2019 Jul 9. Infection in these tissues can be very painful and difficult to treat. Stay away from stray or feral cats. in New Orleans, where he was awarded the Orthopedic Surgery award. Numbness, pain and weakness may be symptoms of it. Cats have thin sharp teeth that dig into skin and drive bacteria deep into the wound. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". It's the worst animal in the UK to be bitten by. Though house cats are often vaccinated against the most serious diseases, like rabies, stray cats arent usually vaccinated and can carry several diseases. Joint spaces were preserved, and bony structures were in good alignment. Check for signs such as bruising, punctured skin, bleeding, and objects stuck in the wound. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. 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%. Keywords: Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. If you know the cat thats bitten you has a rabies vaccine, its unlikely that youll contract 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. Bookshelf These red streaks are from the infection traveling down your lymph system. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Disclaimer. 1984 May;63(3):133-54. The average length of stay for these patients was 3.2 days. 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. A peripherally inserted central catheter line was placed and IV ceftriaxone (Rocephin) administered. Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. Here's how. The best way to know if youre dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of them in your home. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. 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. Its really just a function of their slender, sharp fangs. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. 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. Pasteurella multocida is the most common isolated pathogen transmitted from cats.2 The animals long and sharp canine teeth penetrate the skin, causing deep puncture wounds and providing an avenue for the induction of bacteria. for three to five days. If the wound is bleeding, dont stop blood flow; in fact, try to encourage bleeding by gently pressing the area around the wound. All rights reserved. Risk factors associated with hospitalization included smoking, immunocompromised state, and location of bite over a joint or tendon sheath. Zoonotic disease: What can I catch from my cat? You may need to begin rabies treatment if the cat thats bitten you shows any rabies symptoms. Erythema and pain localized to the bite suggest infection. Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect your lower arm to the bones in your fingers. Pulling away, Mr. H fell back and landed on a coffee table with his open right hand hyperextended. A prescription was given prophylactically for amoxicillin (Augmentin) 875 mg one orally b.i.d. Epidemiology J Hand Surg Am. Medicine (Baltimore). If you decide to delay medical care, watch closely for signs of infection. Tenderness along the course of a tendon suggests spread to the tendon sheath. Mr. H was unsure of the date of his last tetanus shot and reported that the cat is up to date on all immunizations. In the study, researchers identified 193 Mayo Clinic patients with cat bites to the hand from January 1, 2009, through 2011. Sbai MA, et al. If you do get a cat bite, youll likely find out pretty quickly if its going to get infected. What to do? Purpose: 5. The second digit was warm to touch, red, and swollen. While all bites carry bacteria, your body manages to fend off most infections from dog bites. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; 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. "The infection from the cat bite reached my tendon," Bothun said. Theres also the risk that a cats teeth will break off during a bite and need to be extracted. But remember, if you are bitten, prompt medical care is required to prevent serious, even long-term complications from a cat bite infection. Bites that appear at first to be minor can ultimately end up requiring serious medical attention, with outcomes far worse than an apparently more damaging dog bite. Positive tactile response to the digits of the right hand was achieved. You can contract cat scratch fever from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. Even though they dont look like much, a cats pinpoint bite marks can inject bacteria deeply into skin and joints, opening the door for a serious infection. We avoid using tertiary references. Because cat bites usually cover a small area, you will probably be able to cover it with an over-the-counter adhesive Band Aid. 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. Accessibility Therapeutic III. There are a few people, that develop severe allergic reactions to flea bites and can get irritated by a single bite. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of Haymarket Medias Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Any time the skin is punctured, you will experience some level of discomfort, but this initial pain should subside. 2022 Mar 24;7(1):e21.00084. An official website of the United States government. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. for three to five days. Conclusions: As your body works to fight the bacteria in the cat bite, you may develop a fever. 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. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Cat bite: An unusual cause of foot drop. 2002 Jan;34(1):22-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-22103. Cat bites can results in mild scarring, the raised area is probably a little scar tissue settling down. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. Watch the area carefully to see if there are signs of damaged nerves or tendons. In areas where MRSA is prevalent, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, doxycycline, or linezolid should be used instead of a cephalosporin. Adult cats bite out of fear, to assert dominance, or to demand attention. If a cat hasnt been vaccinated for rabies, contact a doctor to decide if you need treatment known as rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). official website and that any information you provide is encrypted While cat bites look a lot smaller than dog bites, cat bites have certain features that make them more dangerous. When cats do bite, the majority of the time it's a bite on the hand or the wrist. ", SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Feb. 5, 2014. "A bite on the thigh probably isn't an issue because the cat probably just bites the fat," Carlsen said. Osteomyelitis following domestic animal bites to the hand: Two case reports and practical guidelines. 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. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days in Group A, and 9.2 days in Group B, (p < .01). Mr. H. was then sent for immediate orthopedic surgical evaluation. If the cat is healthy after 10 days, there is no risk to the person who was bitten. In severe cases, surgery may be . 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). Nelson CA, et al. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003778. Additionally, cats mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. He was on day three of Augmentin and taking it as directed. If the bite or scratch hasn't penetrated the skin, the chance of infection is minimal. Infected Cat Bite On The Wrist Photograph by Dr P. Marazzi/science from fineartamerica.com. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. 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. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments. To assess the overall morbidity of cat bites to the hand and identify risk factors for hospitalization after such an injury. When they bite you, they are essentially injecting bacteria deep into your skins tissue. Source: Bacteriologic Analysis of Infected Dog and Cat Bites. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. The skin was warm and dry to touch. Nine patients (Group B) presented later than 48 hours. 1. The pain was markedly worse during second-digit flexion attempts or when pressure was applied. Never try to separate cats who are fighting. 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. Does vitamin D play a role in your risk of dying from cancer? National Library of Medicine Signs and symptoms warranting earlier evaluation (e.g., fever, chills, increasing edema, erythema, numbness, drainage, and pain) were discussed. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biological sciences fromCornell University. There were no signs of infection and no pain. 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. 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. The CDC says that the incubation period for rabies (time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms) can be weeks to months. Cat-scratch disease in the United States, 20052013. - dog bite: - consider viridans strep, pasteurella multocida, bacteroides, fusobacterium, capnocytophaga; - prophylactic treatment: augmentin / amoxicillin or with allergy ( cipro + clindamycin) A tetanus shot was administered. PEP isnt generally needed if the cat isnt showing signs of rabies, but the cat should be monitored for at least 10 days to be sure. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high risk of infection. 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. Of the hospitalized patients, 67% (n = 38) underwent irrigation and debridement, with 8 patients requiring more than 1 operation. 2021 Aug;70(8):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s00101-021-01003-9. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies loss of mobility in your finger or hand. Can Vitamin E protect against heart disease. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening. Bothun said she still feels pain in her wrist and does not have full movement. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. . The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. Meanwhile, 80 percent of the patients were initially prescribed oral antibiotics, the researchers said. Nerve injury: It's possible for the nerves to be damaged when a cat bites you. 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. 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. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Tendon and tissue damage. 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. There was limited range of motion to the second digit on the right hand (partial flexion). COVID-19 Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. (2018). Terms of Use. If left untreated, infections can potentially lead to scarring, tissue loss, or even life threatening sepsis. 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). Wrist Tendonitis; DeQuervain's Tendonitis; Carpal Boss; Wrist Fractures; Distal Radius Fracture of the Wrist; Scaphoid Fractures of the wrist . In todays blog post, Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly discusses why the risk of a cat bite infection has become a growing concern. It was strongly advised that the patient follow up the next day, but Mr. H declined. There was minimal pain and bleeding. The information in this post is not a substitute for medical care. He described a nonradiating pain in the tip of the second digit with limited flexion. cat bite hand cellulitis lymphangitis hand infection. Mr. H noted a progression of redness and swelling over the past three days, and admitted inconsistent use of the sling. Cat bites are serious! Go to doctor or ER: Cat bites to the hand and wrist have a high incidence of infection. Dutton LK, Hinchcliff KM, Logli AL, Mallett KE, Suh GA, Rizzo M. JB JS Open Access. "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. A dogs powerful jaws and blunt teeth tend to leave a larger wound, but they dont penetrate as deeply. Most cat bites are treated with antibiotics, with penicillin being the most commonly used drug. Dry the bite first, to help the Band Aid stick. Determine the severity of the bite. Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn. As for Mr. Bink's, she said they are still on good terms, but things have changed. About half the patients visited an emergency room, while the rest went to their primary-care physician. You may need to be on antibiotics so get medical care. We identified 193 patients in a 3-year period between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. [Hyatt, 2017] Patients often present 2-5 days after an injury. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Follow-up evaluation should focus on early detection and diagnosis of tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . But bewareyour cat can make you sick. Epub 2022 Jul 20. Protected from the immune system, a cat bite infection can rapidly spread. 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. Read all about risks and treatment for a cat bite. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted While five- to nine-year-old males are the. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 Oct;35(5):498-499. doi: 10.37201/req/009.2022. Noninfected bite wounds may require surgical debridement and prophylaxis with 50% of the dose of antibiotic used to treat infected wounds. Deep puncture wounds from animal bites become morbid if not promptly tended and closely followed. Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help A fever is considered a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. PMC This is particularly true when patients develop inflamed skin and swelling. 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. Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. When the injury has occurred, wash the wound with soap and then apply antiseptics. Skin infections, known as cellulitis, can occur quickly after a bite. [Polymicrobial osteomyelitis on the limb of the hand after a cat bite]. 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. 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. 8600 Rockville Pike Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Cats dont have more bacteria in their mouths than dogs. How long after a cat bite does infection set in? "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. 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%.
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