Purpose: J Hand Surg Am. Checking for Immediate Trauma. Look at the bite to evaluate how severe the victim's condition is. 2022 Oct;35(5):498-499. doi: 10.37201/req/009.2022. Here's how. But remember, if you are bitten, prompt medical care is required to prevent serious, even long-term complications from a cat bite infection. In severe cases, surgery may be required to clean out the infected areas. Common pathogens include Pasteurella species, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, anaerobes, Capnocytophaga, Moraxella, Corynebacterium, and Neisseria. J Hand Surg Am. First, be sure to clean the wound. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected, another study reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. If you do get a cat bite, youll likely find out pretty quickly if its going to get infected. 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. "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. Does vitamin D play a role in your risk of dying from cancer? 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. Additionally, cats mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. 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. Sbai MA, et al. 2022 Feb 23;14(5):867. doi: 10.3390/polym14050867. In the study, researchers identified 193 Mayo Clinic patients with cat bites to the hand from January 1, 2009, through 2011. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. 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. (2018). They can seed bacteria in the joint and tendon sheaths. 1. Most domestic cats are already vaccinated against rabies. 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. Multiple scratch wounds of various lengths across the dorsum of the right hand were nondraining and erythematous. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. The Conscious Cat is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans. 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). 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 Be sure to stay calm if you are bitten by a cat. Roughly 400,000 cat bites occur in the United States each year. 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. In the case of dogs and cats, thats not always the case. Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on. Tendons and ligaments in the hand are especially delicate. Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high risk of infection. There are tons of dangerous bacteria flourishing inside a cats mouth. Therefore, its important to get an infection from a cat bite treated. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage. Common symptoms are localized bone pain and tenderness with constitutional symptoms (in acute read more . Treatment of infected bite wounds of the hand includes surgical debridement, with the wound left open, and antibiotics. eCollection 2021 Nov. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/39/10/490, amjmed.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-9343%2816%2930081-X, e-aps.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.5999/aps.2016.43.6.590, orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/187998/1/424%20pub_thiry.pdf, wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/10/16-0115_article, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4575703/, vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/zoonotic-disease-what-can-i-catch-my-cat. Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. Carlsen said the study showed the hand and wrist are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making outpatient antibiotic treatment hard. Infected Cat Bite On The Wrist Photograph by Dr P. Marazzi/science from fineartamerica.com. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound, the infection would just get worse. Emergency Medicine 46 years experience. The information in this post is not a substitute for medical care. 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. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Infections occur as a result of a combination of the oral flora of the animal and the human skin flora. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. How do you know if a cat bite is infected? According to a 2016 case report, cat bites can injure a nerve in rare cases. Immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection from these bacteria. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. . This data suggests that a lot of cat bites come when petting or interacting with cats. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. . Within a couple of hours the area was in severe pain, swollen, and red. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. 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. The site is secure. 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. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Tendon rupture: When a tendon separates from the tissue, in part or completely, it is supposed to be attached to, a tendon rupture occurs. 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. Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. Two thirds of those hospitalized during the study required surgery to flush out the infection in the wounds and middle-aged women were the most common bite victims. It's the worst animal in the UK to be bitten by. Use OR to account for alternate terms Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. However, play it safe by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. [Sepsis after cat bite-How medical history, physical examination and interdisciplinary cooperation influence disease progression]. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. Results: 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. (2015). Epub 2021 Jul 2. Review: The Cat in the Window And Other Stories of the Cats We Love. Relatively few bites occur on the leg (9%) suggesting that walking away from a frightened cat may be a good strategy. About half the patients visited an emergency room, while the rest went to their primary-care physician. The patient appeared ill and uncomfortable. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. 8600 Rockville Pike Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. Regardless of how a cat bite happens, it is not something to take lightly. "They can be very serious. . North East Kingdom's Best Variety super motherload guide; middle school recess pros and cons; caribbean club grand cayman for sale; dr phil wilderness therapy; adewale ogunleye family. Tenderness along the course of a tendon suggests spread to the tendon sheath. Almost 40% of cases had flexor tendon sheath infection of the fingers. 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). Current medications included lisinopril 10 mg daily and pravastatin 20 mg daily. Cureus is on a mission to change the long-standing paradigm of medical publishing, where submitting research can be costly, complex and time-consuming. 2. The .gov means its official. However, delayed presentation may lead to significant morbidity or even mortality. The average time people waited between getting bitten and seeking treatment was 27 hours. 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. Cats bite mostly on hands, arms or legs. [Brusalis, 2017] Penetrating injuries are the most common (ex, cat scratch/bite). Monitor the area over the following few days for any usual symptoms or pain. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly is a native of Slidell, LA. When you think about being bitten by an animal, smaller is better, right? J Hand Surg Am. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders, Amoxil, Dispermox, Moxatag, Moxilin , Sumox, Trimox, Biocef, Daxbia , Keflex, Keftab, Panixine, Cleocin, Cleocin Ovules, Cleocin Pediatric, Cleocin T, CLIN, Clindacin ETZ, Clindacin-P, Clinda-Derm , Clindagel, ClindaMax, ClindaReach, Clindesse, Clindets, Evoclin, PledgaClin, XACIATO, Acticlate, Adoxa, Adoxa Pak, Avidoxy, Doryx, Doxal, Doxy 100, LYMEPAK, Mondoxyne NL, Monodox, Morgidox 1x, Morgidox 2x , Okebo, Oracea, Oraxyl, Periostat, TARGADOX, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs. 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. PMC "I washed the wounds on my wrist and put antiseptic on them," Bothun said. 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. 2019 Dec;53(6):341-346. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1637750. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. Last medically reviewed on March 22, 2021. Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. 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. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only 1 to 3 cases in the United States each year. Tendons can rupture and may require surgery. A tetanus shot was administered. 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. Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year. Complications included nerve involvement, abscesses and loss of joint mobility. 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. ", "It can be just a pinpoint bite mark that can cause a real problem," he said, "because the bacteria get into the tendon sheath or into the joint where they can grow with relative protection from the blood and immune system.". This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Another 154 were treated with oral antibiotics as outpatients, although 21 of them eventually had to be hospitalized. for three to five days. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Though cats are soft and cuddly, they may bite or scratch when theyre spooked. The right arm was placed in a sling for elevation of the extremity. "We don't play like we used to," Bothun said. Ms. Henderson is a family nurse practitioner at Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareAll Saints in Racine, Wisc. Psoriatic arthritis. ", SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Feb. 5, 2014. Avoidance of bites, prompt wound management, and judicious use of antibiotics decrease antimicrobial resistance and infection incidence. Some bruising may develop, but the wound should heal within a week to 10 days. 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. 2006;31:468-473. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of S61.451A - other international versions of ICD-10 S61.451A may differ. 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 . Its not something you want to take any chances with. At the initial visit, Mr. H was alert and oriented. Cat bites may look small, but they can turn into serious problems. Immediately wash the wound under running water. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. According to Poison Control, CSD is usually not serious, but people with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing a more serious infection. cat bite wrist tendonjameel disu biography. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. These findings should increase concern for a severe infection and warrant hospitalization and urgent consultation with a hand surgeon. Wecannot answer individual questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. . Patients with joint capsule penetration, tendon injury, or bites older than 24 hours were excluded. Some people need surgery, though. Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Before (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. . Mr. H was unable to perform full flexion of the second digit. del Mar Amador M, et al. Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. Tendon and tissue damage. Never try to separate cats who are fighting. When the injury has occurred, wash the wound with soap and then apply antiseptics. All rights reserved. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. 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. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. Cats have thin sharp teeth that dig into skin and drive bacteria deep into the wound. . Eikenella corrodens is often seen with human bite injuries and Pasteurella multocida is seen with dog and especially cat bite wounds. You should not use this information in place of a consultation or the advice of your healthcare provider. reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. Human and other mammalian bite injuries of the hand: evaluation and management. . (2021). 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. Cat bite victims sometimes must have their wounds surgically irrigated or even have infected tissue removed, a procedure called debridement. 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. Tendons And Ligaments In The Hand Are. There was full range of motion in the right wrist and all other digits of the right hand. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. But bewareyour cat can make you sick. Their razor-sharp teeth and nails can puncture deeply, sometimes penetrating tissues, ligaments and tendons. This includes bites that: [8] Are on the face Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath in Guyon's Canal Causing Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome . Nine patients (Group B) presented later than 48 hours. Human and animal bites. eCollection 2022. There is not very much bloodflow to the tendon sheath. Epub 2022 Jul 20. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. Dry the bite first, to help the Band Aid stick. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Fire ants are found in many southern U.S. states. 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. and transmitted securely. "The infection from the cat bite reached my tendon," Bothun said. 0. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the On physical examination, BP was 118/80, pulse 106, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, temperature 99.9F, and pulse oxygenation 98%. Careers. 1984 May;63(3):133-54.
