If the patient is allergic to penicillin, clindamycin 300 mg orally every 6 hours can be used. One of the more common is a highly pathogenic bacterium, Pasteurella multocida. 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. Dutton LK, Hinchcliff KM, Logli AL, Mallett KE, Suh GA, Rizzo M. JB JS Open Access. 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. 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. Check for signs such as bruising, punctured skin, bleeding, and objects stuck in the wound. Lesions caused by human and domestic and wild animal bites. Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect your lower arm to the bones in your fingers. Accessibility The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. Deep puncture wounds from animal bites become morbid if not promptly tended and closely followed. Cat bites are typically puncture wounds that penetrate deeply into the skin and underlying tissues [2] with infection rates of up to 50% [4]. After being advised of the risk for infection, Mr. H agreed to follow up in three days or sooner if symptoms worsened. 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. Last medically reviewed on March 22, 2021. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage. Sbai MA, et al. Your doctor may also recommend an X-ray to diagnose injuries to joints or bones or to see if there are any fragments from the cats teeth that may have broken off. If you cant capture the cat, you might need to start rabies vaccination as a precaution. Infections occur as a result of a combination of the oral flora of the animal and the human skin flora. Wrist tendon pain usually goes away with rest, medication, injections or splinting. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Cat and dog bites. Zoonotic disease: What can I catch from my cat? The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the According to a 2016 case report, cat bites can injure a nerve in rare cases. The patient appeared ill and uncomfortable. The bacteria injected by a cat bite can include a strain common in animals and particularly hard to fight with antibiotics, he says. red streaks that run up your hand and arm. loss of sensation in . loss of mobility in your finger or hand. If you have some antibiotic cream such as neosporin, apply it. A more serious infection may lead to pus or what looks like red streaks down your skin and may cause fever. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. 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). Most domestic cats are already vaccinated against rabies. There was limited range of motion at the PIP joint on the second digit. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. Mr. H was diagnosed with a septic joint, scheduled for incision and drainage, and admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. There are tons of dangerous bacteria flourishing inside a cats mouth. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected, another study reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. ", SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Feb. 5, 2014. Frost Bite most commonly injures your ears and nose. Not surprising to most who have owned a cat(s), your author included, cat bites most often end up on the hands and arms. Bothun said she still feels pain in her wrist and does not have full movement. 20 The trial was terminated because of high rates of infection with wound care alone (47%). Immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection from these bacteria. . 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. ANZ J Surg. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003778. Polymers (Basel). He was on day three of Augmentin and taking it as directed. The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. . official website and that any information you provide is encrypted There were no signs of infection and no pain. Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. The more severe the bruising or bleeding looks, the worse the bite is. Dr. Philip Schwarzman answered. POA Help "Present On Admission" is defined as present at the time the order for inpatient admission occurs conditions that develop during an outpatient encounter, including emergency department, observation, or outpatient surgery, are considered POA. Keywords: Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Cats can also injure their tendons or ligaments slowly over time as a result of repetitive straining, overexertion, or fatigue. If the cat is healthy after 10 days, there is no risk to the person who was bitten. 2006;31:468-473. 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. CSD is transmitted when a cat carrying the infection: The following animals are at the highest risk of carrying the infection: Its important to know that CSD is most common in children. They are most often located on the upper extremities and are almost always accompanied by scratches [2-4]. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. Animal bites usually contain multiple potential pathogens, including Pasteurella multocida (particularly in cat bites), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. Physical examination findings of erythema and swelling at presentation were also associated with increased risk of hospitalization. Epidemiology And of course, most of us will pet stray cats we meet along the way, but not all seemingly friendly cats remain friendly after being approached by strangers. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; any link with venom from cat bite affecting central nervous system? Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). Learn more about rabies in humans here. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. In more extreme cases, redirected aggression can cause a cat to lash out at her guardian and cause severe damage. But bewareyour cat can make you sick. Though cats are soft and cuddly, they may bite or scratch when theyre spooked. Immediately wash the wound under running water. 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. In rare cases, these infections can be fatal. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Review: The Cat in the Window And Other Stories of the Cats We Love. 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. 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. Discomfort. Additionally, cats mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. 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. A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. An official website of the United States government. I now fear joint or bone or tendon . Go to doctor or ER: Cat bites to the hand and wrist have a high incidence of infection. 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. Therapeutic III. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. After receiving his medical degree fromLouisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where he was awarded the Orthopedic Surgery award. All rights reserved. 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. Avoiding the Danger of a Cat Bite Infection. Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of a tendon and its synovial sheath; this condition occurs most frequently in the hand and wrist but can occur in any part of the extremities where a tendon glides within a synovial-lined fibro-osseous sheath. Dog bites take about twice as long to set in. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. Ellis R, et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, et al. Psoriatic arthritis. Through this website and links to other websites, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD provides general information for educational purposes only. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. cat bite wrist tendonjameel disu biography. There was limited range of motion to the second digit on the right hand (partial flexion). While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. Cat bites can results in mild scarring, the raised area is probably a little scar tissue settling down. QUESTIONS. 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 . eCollection 2021 Sep. Strwald Y, Erdle B, Busch P, Kalbhenn J, Bansbach J. Anaesthesist. In fact, the infection rate from a cat bite is fairly high. These bites may look harmless, but it is important to take immediate medical action after the initial injury. Of the hospitalized patients, 67% (n = 38) underwent irrigation and debridement, with 8 patients requiring more than 1 operation. Roughly 400,000 cat bites occur in the United States each year. Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. Another SOLID Site, WALANT | Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet. J Hand Surg Am. The drug of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg b.i.d. A peripherally inserted central catheter line was placed and IV ceftriaxone (Rocephin) administered. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0372-2022. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003778. Cat Bites: Dont Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment). Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Issues related to infectious tenosynovitis will be reviewed here. You should still clean the wound area with soap and water, but its unlikely you will have to take any action. Bookshelf Treatment for wrist tendonitis can include rest, icing, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hand therapy, and cortisone injections. From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. Dont use harsh disinfectants or chemicals to clean the wound, as they may harm tissue and slow down healing. 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. Mr. Hs right-hand wounds were cleansed with antibacterial soap, betadine wash, and sterile water rinse. The patient was able to return to work. 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 In todays blog post, Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly discusses why the risk of a cat bite infection has become a growing concern. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, Williams CS, Visotsky JL. Conclusions: We cannot answer questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. 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. Meanwhile, 80 percent of the patients were initially prescribed oral antibiotics, the researchers said. In these cases, the researchers said, the wound should be treated aggressively. eCollection 2022. No fevers, chills, increased redness, or swelling was noted. government site. Most cat bites are treated with antibiotics, with penicillin being the most commonly used drug. The right arm was placed in a sling for elevation of the extremity. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. eCollection 2021 Sep. Malizos KN, Papadopoulou ZK, Ziogkou AN, Rigopoulos N, Athanaselis ED, Varitimidis SE, Dailiana ZC. The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. a tendon lesion or a purulent flexor . Hydrocodone (Vicodin) and naprosyn (Naproxen) were also prescribed for pain and inflammation. Copyright 2023 Haymarket Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved Can vitamin D help maintain muscle strength? Nelson CA, et al. Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments. What are are the Differences between Cat and Dog Bites? 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%. Theres also the risk that a cats teeth will break off during a bite and need to be extracted. Complications were common among these patients. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. When the injury has occurred, wash the wound with soap and then apply antiseptics. 2017 Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly Can low vitamin D increase risk of cancer? Accessibility Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. 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. (2014). HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Eikenella corrodens is often seen with human bite injuries and Pasteurella multocida is seen with dog and especially cat bite wounds. 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. The pain was markedly worse during second-digit flexion attempts or when pressure was applied. Erythema and pain localized to the bite suggest infection. Please login or register first to view this content. The warm and dark inner layers of your skin are optimal for the growth of the bacteria. . "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. A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. 1. reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. 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 . Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. Capillary refill to the upper extremities measured fewer than three seconds. Checking for Immediate Trauma. 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. Carlsen said the study showed the hand and wrist are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making outpatient antibiotic treatment hard. of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. Source: Bacteriologic Analysis of Infected Dog and Cat Bites. 2020 Jul 23;12(7):e9357. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. Results: The best way to know if youre dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of them in your home. 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. Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". PMC 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. Keywords: He described a nonradiating pain in the tip of the second digit with limited flexion. 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Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. If the bite or scratch hasn't penetrated the skin, the chance of infection is minimal. 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. Almost 40% of cases had flexor tendon sheath infection of the fingers. Epub 2021 Jul 2. Ms. Henderson is a family nurse practitioner at Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareAll Saints in Racine, Wisc. SEE MORE: Symptoms of Infected Cat Bite and Steps To Take For A Cat Bite. 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 skin on the second digit of the right hand showed significant edema and erythema circumferentially (Figure 1). 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. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-23-01-47. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. 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). When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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 Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. This virus is almost always fatal when untreated, but its extremely rare. With these locations, it's not hard for a cat to puncture a joint or the layer of membrane that covers a tendon. Weber DJ, Wolfson JS, Swartz MN, Hooper DC. The bites can even be so deep that they damage a victim's nerves, tendons and . Read all about risks and treatment for a cat bite. Rabies is rare but deadly. 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. 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. and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. Sources: Babovic N, Carlsen BT, Cayci C. Cat Bite Infections of the Hand: Assessment of Morbidity and Predictors of Severe Infection. The code is valid during the fiscal year 2023 from October 01, 2022 through September 30, 2023 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. 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 . Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. Another 154 were treated with oral antibiotics as outpatients, although 21 of them eventually had to be hospitalized. - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . As for Mr. Bink's, she said they are still on good terms, but things have changed. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. Published by: Ingrid King. Mr. H was unsure of the date of his last tetanus shot and reported that the cat is up to date on all immunizations. A cat bite on the hand can turn into a hospital stay, according to a new study. He described severe nonradiating pain to his right hand and second digit unrelieved by Vicodin or Naprosyn. 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 cat bite is much worse than a dog or rat bite. If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge from the wound, increasing pain, or difficulty moving the hand, seek emergency care. 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. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. If left untreated, cat bite infections can spread to other parts of the body, causing a condition called septicemia (blood poisoning), which requires hospitalization. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. 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. Though house cats are often vaccinated against the most serious diseases, like rabies, stray cats arent usually vaccinated and can carry several diseases. 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. Occasionally an infection can cause tendinitis, especially infection from a cat or dog bite to the hand or a finger. . There is a remarkable amount of research around cat bites. 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. Purpose: Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Privacy Policy A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Wounds are not closed after initial treatment so that any . 2022 Mar 24;7(1):e21.00084. . Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 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. 4th ed., Gainesville Fla.: Barmarrae Books; 2003. By joining Cureus, you agree to our Watch the area carefully to see if there are signs of damaged nerves or tendons. Cats dont have more bacteria in their mouths than dogs. 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. Keywords: All rights reserved. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 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. Last Updated on: January 25, 2023 by Crystal Uys. Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the zone of injury. Early treatment reduces the severity of many animal bites. Wound cultures were significant for Pasteurella multocida. (2021). 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. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Once symptoms are present, rabies is typically fatal. Cat bites and scratches: Sometimes more than just a cut.
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