This is particularly true when patients develop inflamed skin and swelling. Conclusions: Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. The researchers studied nearly 200 cat bite cases that occurred between 2009 and 2011. 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. I still have a small bump from a cat that bit my hand around twenty-five years ago. In todays blog post, Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly discusses why the risk of a cat bite infection has become a growing concern. Most domestic cats are already vaccinated against rabies. At six-weeks postoperative, Mr. H had full range of motion and increased strength in the right hand. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 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). Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. In the case of dogs and cats, thats not always the case. Signs and symptoms warranting earlier evaluation (e.g., fever, chills, increasing edema, erythema, numbness, drainage, and pain) were discussed. 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. Occasionally an infection can cause tendinitis, especially infection from a cat or dog bite to the hand or a finger. Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. He described a nonradiating pain in the tip of the second digit with limited flexion. Meanwhile, 80 percent of the patients were initially prescribed oral antibiotics, the researchers said. When they bite you, they are essentially injecting bacteria deep into your skins tissue. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. To care for your wound at home, follow these steps: If the following symptoms occur, seek medical attention: If you have a pet cat, make sure to take them to regular veterinary visits to stay updated on vaccines. Another 154 were treated with oral antibiotics as outpatients, although 21 of them eventually had to be hospitalized. Infected Cat Bite On The Wrist Photograph by Dr P. Marazzi/science from fineartamerica.com. Accessibility . "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath in Guyon's Canal Causing Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome . The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 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. Immediately wash the wound under running water. If the cat is healthy after 10 days, there is no risk to the person who was bitten. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. Dr. Philip Schwarzman answered. The wound canal can reach into a joint or onto a bone. 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. However, play it safe by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water. 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. PMC 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. Pulling away, Mr. H fell back and landed on a coffee table with his open right hand hyperextended. more serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever or muscle weakness. Read on to learn more about symptoms and how to prevent bug bites. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, clindamycin 300 mg orally every 6 hours can be used. Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-23-01-47. [Polymicrobial osteomyelitis on the limb of the hand after a cat bite]. Briefly, infected bites will often appear red and swollen. National Library of Medicine Clinical Guidelines in Family Practice. Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks. If left untreated, infections can potentially lead to scarring, tissue loss, or even life threatening sepsis. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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. Wrist Tendonitis; DeQuervain's Tendonitis; Carpal Boss; Wrist Fractures; Distal Radius Fracture of the Wrist; Scaphoid Fractures of the wrist; Elbow. Regardless of how a cat bite happens, it is not something to take lightly. In cat bite wounds, they are followed by Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria and Moraxella spp. All rights reserved. If you have a hand injury and would like to have it evaluated by our areas leading hand specialist, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Would you like email updates of new search results? PMC It has to pierce deep enough to get into the muscle where there is a good amount of blood flow. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. Mr. H noted a progression of redness and swelling over the past three days, and admitted inconsistent use of the sling. 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. Acta Chir Belg. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. 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. Bats are one of the most common carriers of rabies. Disclaimer. Additionally, cats mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Mr. Hs medical history included hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and tobacco abuse. Can Vitamin E protect against heart disease. Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. Cats have thin sharp teeth that dig into skin and drive bacteria deep into the wound. Issues related to infectious tenosynovitis will be reviewed here. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. 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. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. A tetanus shot was administered. By joining Cureus, you agree to our Please login or register first to view this content. 28 Dog bites cause approximately 0.4 percent of emergency department visits and account for 60. Mr. H, age 45 years, presented to the clinic following a cat bite to his right hand 14 hours prior. Although cats have no more germs in their mouths than dogs or people, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that when cats bite, their sharp teeth can inject hard-to-treat bacteria deeply into the skin and joints, increasing the risk for serious infection. Methods: According to a 2016 case report, cat bites can injure a nerve in rare cases. However, they can also bite or scratch if spooked or if they get defensive. They are most often located on the upper extremities and are almost always accompanied by scratches [2-4]. And your cat loves you (in its own fashion). Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. They respond aggressively when their home is disturbed, biting and injecting venom. Wound cultures were significant for Pasteurella multocida. The more severe the bruising or bleeding looks, the worse the bite is. Relatively few bites occur on the leg (9%) suggesting that walking away from a frightened cat may be a good strategy. . Ellis R, et al. 0. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. tenderness or pain under your elbow or armpit due to swollen lymph nodes. . 20 The trial was terminated because of high rates of infection with wound care alone (47%). Weber DJ, Wolfson JS, Swartz MN, Hooper DC. Risk factors associated with hospitalization included smoking, immunocompromised state, and location of bite over a joint or tendon sheath. The skin was warm and dry to touch. Preoperative Antibiotics Influence Culture Yield in the Treatment of Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Infections. While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. [Hyatt, 2017] Patients often present 2-5 days after an injury. If you have some antibiotic cream such as neosporin, apply it. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. Joint spaces were preserved, and bony structures were in good alignment. Benson LS, Edwards SL, Schiff AP, et al. If the bite or scratch hasn't penetrated the skin, the chance of infection is minimal. . Lim JS, et al. Your physician may also recommend a tetanus shot. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. Infection in these tissues can be very painful and difficult to treat. These red streaks are from the infection traveling down your lymph system. Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite. Complications were common among these patients. In severe cases, surgery may be required to clean out the infected areas. 2022 Mar 24;7(1):e21.00084. The pain was markedly worse during second-digit flexion attempts or when pressure was applied. Common pathogens include Pasteurella species, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, anaerobes, Capnocytophaga, Moraxella, Corynebacterium, and Neisseria. 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. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Can Vitamin D affect your risk of heart disease? Mr. H was advised to stop taking Vicodin and started on oxycodone (Percocet) 5/325 mg one or two orally every six hours as needed. cat bite hand cellulitis lymphangitis hand infection. Animal mouths contain a lot of bacteria which is why you want to wash it out with soap and water for around 5 minutes. The average time people waited between getting bitten and seeking treatment was 27 hours. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. Bookshelf Cat bites with infections can become not only painful, but also red or discolored, and swollen. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) and naprosyn (Naproxen) were also prescribed for pain and inflammation. - dog bite: - consider viridans strep, pasteurella multocida, bacteroides, fusobacterium, capnocytophaga; - prophylactic treatment: augmentin / amoxicillin or with allergy ( cipro + clindamycin) Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. Your sharp, long teeth can leave deep punctate injuries. A 29-year-old woman with fever after a cat bite. red streaks that run up your hand and arm. An initial assessment of early cellulitis and right-hand pain secondary to the cat bite and fall was made. In the study, researchers identified 193 Mayo Clinic patients with cat bites to the hand from January 1, 2009, through 2011. 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). Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. 2021 Aug;70(8):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s00101-021-01003-9. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. 2022 Feb 23;14(5):867. doi: 10.3390/polym14050867. 1. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". Early treatment reduces the severity of many animal bites. When cats do bite, the majority of the time it's a bite on the hand or the wrist. But bewareyour cat can make you sick. Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. Zoonotic disease: What can I catch from my cat? del Mar Amador M, et al. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. No fevers, chills, increased redness, or swelling was noted. 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. Conscious Cat is reader-supported. 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. 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. Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. It can be caused by overuse and repetitive movements like texting, playing video games, or writing. 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. Learn more about rabies in humans here. Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. 4th ed., Gainesville Fla.: Barmarrae Books; 2003. "The infection from the cat bite reached my tendon," Bothun said. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Cat bites may look small, but they can turn into serious problems. A prescription was given prophylactically for amoxicillin (Augmentin) 875 mg one orally b.i.d. While all bites carry bacteria, your body manages to fend off most infections from dog bites. Frost Bite most commonly injures your ears and nose. (2016). She said because she was uninsured the hospital wrote off some of the bill but she is still making payments. From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. Another SOLID Site, WALANT | Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted The patient was able to return to work. 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. There are a few people, that develop severe allergic reactions to flea bites and can get irritated by a single bite. 2002 Jan;34(1):22-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-22103. Cats can also injure their tendons or ligaments slowly over time as a result of repetitive straining, overexertion, or fatigue. Bothun said she waited one week after her black cat, Mr. Binks, bit. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. any link with venom from cat bite affecting central nervous system? Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. Mr. Hs right-hand wounds were cleansed with antibacterial soap, betadine wash, and sterile water rinse. What are the top 3 benefits of Vitamin E? According to the study patients with bites directly over the wrist or any joint have a higher risk of hospitalization. Carlsen said the study showed the hand and wrist are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making outpatient antibiotic treatment hard. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. 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. An infectious disease consultation was ordered. Discharge instructions and wound-care handouts were provided. Animal bites usually contain multiple potential pathogens, including Pasteurella multocida (particularly in cat bites), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. Cat and dog 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. 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. Around 2% of attendances in the emergency department are due to bite injuries, most commonly from dogs, cats, and humans.If left untreated, bites have a high risk of becoming infected.. They can seed bacteria in the joint and tendon sheaths. Avoidance of bites, prompt wound management, and judicious use of antibiotics decrease antimicrobial resistance and infection incidence. Not surprising to most who have owned a cat(s), your author included, cat bites most often end up on the hands and arms. Infection is the consequence of cat bites that medical professionals are most worried about. and transmitted securely. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). extreme lower back pain after a nasty cat bite that required intravenus antibiotics in the hospital followed up with pain meds and antibiotics antiinflammatory meds, swelling decreasing throbbing pain decreasing, back pain is unbearable. Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. Deep puncture wounds from animal bites become morbid if not promptly tended and closely followed. The second digit was warm to touch, red, and swollen. 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). How do you know if a cat bite is infected? There is not very much bloodflow to the tendon sheath. . [Sepsis after cat bite-How medical history, physical examination and interdisciplinary cooperation influence disease progression]. Animal bites that dont break your skin, as well as scratches that just graze the surface of your skin, have a minimal risk of infection. However, delayed presentation may lead to significant morbidity or even mortality. and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. If the wound is bleeding, dont stop blood flow; in fact, try to encourage bleeding by gently pressing the area around the wound. Cat bite; animal bite; infection. July 2012 edited July 2012. Human and animal bites. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Before Cats, like many other mammals, can carry rabies. Epub 2021 Jul 2. 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. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Cats carry many bacteria in their mouths capable of causing infections in bite wounds. 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. The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. 2021 Nov 1;71:102993. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102993. Therefore, its important to get an infection from a cat bite treated. INTRODUCTION. The small but deep puncture wounds are. Cureus is on a mission to change the long-standing paradigm of medical publishing, where submitting research can be costly, complex and time-consuming. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. cat bite wrist tendonjameel disu biography. Checking for Immediate Trauma. 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. The index finger was the most common site of injury (45%). Nine patients (Group B) presented later than 48 hours. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Here are some of the potential infectious diseases that can happen after a cat bite: Pasteurella multocida is a type of bacteria frequently found in the mouths of cats that can cause infections after a bite or scratch. . You love your cat. Would you like email updates of new search results? Pediatrics in review. 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 . Medicine (Baltimore). A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. Monitor the area over the following few days for any usual symptoms or pain. Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. If you dont know the rabies status of the animal, try to locate it and call animal control. 2004 Oct;74(10):859-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03189.x. You may need to be on antibiotics so get medical care. Eikenella corrodens is often seen with human bite injuries and Pasteurella multocida is seen with dog and especially cat bite wounds. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. Stress the importance of immediately washing the wound with antiseptic solution and water and seeking immediate evaluation. At the initial visit, Mr. H was alert and oriented. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Before Last Updated on: January 25, 2023 by Crystal Uys. In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. First, be sure to clean the wound. Kittens bite, mouth, and paw things to explore their worldthey're all natural behaviors. In these cases, the researchers said, the wound should be treated aggressively. 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Is It Bedbugs, Other Bug Bites, or a Rash? Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. A cat bite on the hand can turn into a hospital stay, according to a new study. Dr. Kaul is the MSN and DNP Program Director and an associate professor at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge from the wound, increasing pain, or difficulty moving the hand, seek emergency care. Never try to separate cats who are fighting. Arnica, a homeopathic remedy, can help prevent bruising, and Ledum can help prevent infection. 1995 Aug;52(2):479-85, 489-90. Early treatment is beneficial in decreasing the risk of infection. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. Source: Bacteriologic Analysis of Infected Dog and Cat Bites. There was limited range of motion to the second digit on the right hand (partial flexion). 2019 Dec;53(6):341-346. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1637750. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Active range of motion deficits are present at the wrist and thumb due to pain and swelling. If left untreated, cat bite infections can spread to other parts of the body, causing a condition called septicemia (blood poisoning), which requires hospitalization. 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. Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. Cat Bites: Dont Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment). 2022 Oct;35(5):498-499. doi: 10.37201/req/009.2022. Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. 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. Introduction. truck driver strike 2022, hayde bluegrass orchestra biography,