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. Should You Pop the Blisters Caused by Fire Ant Stings? . Tendon and tissue damage. 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. But remember, if you are bitten, prompt medical care is required to prevent serious, even long-term complications from a cat bite infection. Here's what you need to know. (2014). 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. July 2012 edited July 2012. 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 "I thought I could manage them on my own but I couldn't move my wrist after a week.". But if an unvaccinated cat has bitten you, you must take the bite seriously. Tendons and ligaments in the hand are especially delicate. "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. "I washed the wounds on my wrist and put antiseptic on them," Bothun said. Published by: Ingrid King. Immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection from these bacteria. Cat bite: an injury not to underestimate. Open wound of wrist, hand and fingers ( S61) S61.451A is a billable ICD-10 code used to specify a medical diagnosis of open bite of right hand, initial encounter. 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. A doctor will decide if the wound needs stitches or surgery to heal properly. Infections occur as a result of a combination of the oral flora of the animal and the human skin flora. By joining Cureus, you agree to our While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand following a cat bite. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Would you like email updates of new search results? "A bite on the thigh probably isn't an issue because the cat probably just bites the fat," Carlsen said. When the injury has occurred, wash the wound with soap and then apply antiseptics. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Bleeding may help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into the wound. Protected from the immune system, a cat bite infection can rapidly spread. Wrist Tendonitis; DeQuervain's Tendonitis; Carpal Boss; Wrist Fractures; Distal Radius Fracture of the Wrist; Scaphoid Fractures of the wrist; Elbow. Cat bite victims sometimes must have their wounds surgically irrigated or even have infected tissue removed, a procedure called debridement. A fever is considered a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If the cat is healthy after 10 days, there is no risk to the person who was bitten. If the cat's tooth reached your finger's tendon, it can be very difficult for your body to beat the infection. J Hand Surg Am. Can Vitamin E protect against heart disease. 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. Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments. Animal bites on your hand and fingers are common, especially from pets like dogs and cats. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. [Hyatt, 2017] Patients often present 2-5 days after an injury. 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. A tetanus shot was administered. Polymers (Basel). The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. 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 drug of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg b.i.d. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Here's how. Cat bites are typically puncture wounds that penetrate deeply into the skin and underlying tissues [2] with infection rates of up to 50% [4]. left hand was severely bitten by a cat that animal control brought in. 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. The site is secure. Can taking antioxidants protect you against cancer? . You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. "When the cat bites the hand, the joints and tendons are protected with fluid and there is no circulation so bacteria can grow like crazy, making treatment longer in some case.". Treatment for wrist tendonitis can include rest, icing, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hand therapy, and cortisone injections. One study in the New England Journal of Medicine estimated that 63% of cat bites were on the patients hands, followed by the arm with 23% of bites. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. Recovery could take four to six months. 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. Positive tactile response to the digits of the right hand was achieved. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. 2022 Oct;35(5):498-499. doi: 10.37201/req/009.2022. Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn. 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In fact, a 2013 research review showed that Pasteurella is the most common organism isolated from both cat and dog bites. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! However, more severe reactions can occur, and rashes can develop. A more serious infection may lead to pus or what looks like red streaks down your skin and may cause fever. Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. a tendon lesion or a purulent flexor . Epidemiology 'A cat bite is much worse than a dog or rat bite. They can seed bacteria in the joint and tendon sheaths. reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". If a cat bite breaks your skin, you should seek medical attention if: A cat bite carries a high risk of infection and can be dangerous. Once symptoms are present, rabies is typically fatal. (2016). Millions of people are bitten by animals every year. Some bruising may develop, but the wound should heal within a week to 10 days. Current medications included lisinopril 10 mg daily and pravastatin 20 mg daily. There is not very much bloodflow to the tendon sheath. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, clindamycin 300 mg orally every 6 hours can be used. Determine the severity of the bite. [Hyatt, 2017] PFT is a clinical diagnosis!! The skin usually flaps over the bite, thereby sealing off . Pulling away, Mr. H fell back and landed on a coffee table with his open right hand hyperextended. The small but deep puncture wounds are. 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. Review: The Cat in the Window And Other Stories of the Cats We Love. Clean bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water. - dog bite: - consider viridans strep, pasteurella multocida, bacteroides, fusobacterium, capnocytophaga; - prophylactic treatment: augmentin / amoxicillin or with allergy ( cipro + clindamycin) What are are the Differences between Cat and Dog Bites? The condition can cause pain when you grip and lift objects or move your wrist or fingers. 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. Cat bite infections of the hand: assessment of morbidity and predictors of severe infection. Rabies is rare but deadly. eCollection 2021 Sep. Malizos KN, Papadopoulou ZK, Ziogkou AN, Rigopoulos N, Athanaselis ED, Varitimidis SE, Dailiana ZC. Rabies is caused by a virus and can be transmitted by bites and scratches from an infected animal, often a dog. The wound canal can reach into a joint or onto a bone. Multiple scratch wounds of various lengths across the dorsum of the right hand were nondraining and erythematous. Accessibility Learn more about rabies in humans here. J Hand Surg Am. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. for three to five days. Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. for three to five days or one double-strength trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole tablet b.i.d. 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. 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. Read on to learn more about symptoms and how to prevent bug bites. Human and other mammalian bite injuries of the hand: evaluation and management. In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. We write about feline health, nutrition, lifestyle, and so many other interesting topics! 1. . Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. 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. 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 these injuries are typically not life-threatening. An official website of the United States government. 2021 Nov 1;71:102993. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102993. On physical examination, BP was 118/80, pulse 106, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, temperature 99.9F, and pulse oxygenation 98%. If the wound is deep, if you see signs of infection as listed above, or if you have any other reason for concern, be sure to see your doctor. 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%. A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. 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. fever or chills. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Source: The management of bite wounds in children--a retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre. Can low vitamin D increase risk of cancer? for two weeks. Pet owners must be made aware of the seriousness of a cat bite. Once trapped under the skin, these bacteria spread and multiply, causing infection and inflammation (cellulitis) of the surrounding soft tissues. Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats. A cat bite is quite common and should always be treated by a doctor. Do not allow kittens and young cats to play with your hands. Bliss 101 Registered User regular. The researchers said 57 of the patients who were bitten needed to be hospitalized, but only 36 had been admitted immediately after seeking medical treatment. All rights reserved. There was limited range of motion at the PIP joint on the second digit. 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). for three to five days. They are most often located on the upper extremities and are almost always accompanied by scratches [2-4]. S61.451A is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Roughly 400,000 cat bites occur in the United States each year. While cat bites look a lot smaller than dog bites, cat bites have certain features that make them more dangerous. Most domestic cats are already vaccinated against rabies. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected. Bacteria can be potentially seeded down into joints and tendon sheaths, far away from where it would be immediately noticed. Discomfort. Briefly, infected bites will often appear red and swollen. Cat Bites: Dont Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment). Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. Your physician may also recommend a tetanus shot. Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. 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. Symptoms include not only pain, but also numbness and paresthesia. Cats carry many bacteria in their mouths capable of causing infections in bite wounds. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . Cats can also injure their tendons or ligaments slowly over time as a result of repetitive straining, overexertion, or fatigue. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Active range of motion deficits are present at the wrist and thumb due to pain and swelling. National Library of Medicine It may be painful or tender when touched or pressed. If the bite or scratch hasn't penetrated the skin, the chance of infection is minimal. 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. 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. 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). Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. While all bites carry bacteria, your body manages to fend off most infections from dog bites. An initial assessment of early cellulitis and right-hand pain secondary to the cat bite and fall was made. Carlsen said the study showed the hand and wrist are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making outpatient antibiotic treatment hard. Read More, The Conscious Cat Product Guide features all of the best products for cats and cat lovers. Joint spaces were preserved, and bony structures were in good alignment. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. eCollection 2022 Jan-Mar. She said because she was uninsured the hospital wrote off some of the bill but she is still making payments. Stress the importance of immediately washing the wound with antiseptic solution and water and seeking immediate evaluation. Keywords: Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. 6. An infectious disease consultation was ordered. Wounds are not closed after initial treatment so that any . Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. 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. 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. Numbness, pain and weakness may be symptoms of it. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. Lesions caused by human and domestic and wild animal bites. Though cats are soft and cuddly, they may bite or scratch when theyre spooked. Deep puncture wounds from animal bites become morbid if not promptly tended and closely followed. SEE MORE: Symptoms of Infected Cat Bite and Steps To Take For A Cat Bite. In severe cases, surgery may be . Cats bite for a variety of reasons. The study showed that administering antibiotics failed in 21 of the 193 patients, who later received treatment in the hospital. If you have some antibiotic cream such as neosporin, apply it. Pediatrics in review. 2022 Feb 23;14(5):867. doi: 10.3390/polym14050867. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Arnica, a homeopathic remedy, can help prevent bruising, and Ledum can help prevent infection. 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. Risk factors associated with hospitalization included smoking, immunocompromised state, and location of bite over a joint or tendon sheath. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. Lim JS, et al. While five- to nine-year-old males are the. Cat bites are more frequent in the mornings, in the summer, and in spring [4]. Mr. H was unable to perform full flexion of the second digit. 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. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help 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. After being advised of the risk for infection, Mr. H agreed to follow up in three days or sooner if symptoms worsened. Weber DJ, Wolfson JS, Swartz MN, Hooper DC. The list above outlines the symptoms of an infected bite. We identified 193 patients in a 3-year period between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the zone of injury. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Extensor Tendon Injuries are traumatic injuries to the extensor tendons that can be caused by laceration, trauma, or overuse. Discharge instructions and wound-care handouts were provided. Common symptoms are localized bone pain and tenderness with constitutional symptoms (in acute read more . 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. If you cant capture the cat, you might need to start rabies vaccination as a precaution. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. [Brusalis, 2017] Penetrating injuries are the most common (ex, cat scratch/bite). It can be caused by overuse and repetitive movements like texting, playing video games, or writing. Obviously, the best bite is the one that has been prevented. 28 Dog bites cause approximately 0.4 percent of emergency department visits and account for 60. Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. And while cuts. Its not something you want to take any chances with. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003778. All rights reserved. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Pasteurella multocida infections. In the Mayo Clinic study, eight of the 193 patients surveyed required more than one operation, and some had to have reconstructive surgery. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. government site. Bothun said she waited one week after her black cat, Mr. Binks, bit. This then causes the wound to potentially close up around the bacteria, which can lead to an infection. Instead, call the animal control office in your area. Tendon rupture: When a tendon separates from the tissue, in part or completely, it is supposed to be attached to, a tendon rupture occurs. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. . Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. The information in this post is not a substitute for medical care. Microorganisms. Enechukwu AOM, Bucher F, Dastagir K, Jokuszies A, Vogt PM, Knneker S. Ann Med Surg (Lond). Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. (2016). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Type of study/level of evidence: Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly is a native of Slidell, LA. Cat bites to the hand are so dangerous, 1 in 3 patients with such wounds had to be hospitalized, a Mayo Clinic study covering three years showed.