The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. Cat Bites: Dont Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment). Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. And your cat loves you (in its own fashion). The condition can cause pain when you grip and lift objects or move your wrist or fingers. 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. The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. Cat Bite Injuries to Humans | VCA Animal Hospital Would you like email updates of new search results? Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". Copyright 2023 Haymarket Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks. Wound cultures were significant for Pasteurella multocida. The infection resides in synovial or periarticular tissues and is usually bacterialin younger adults read more and osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is inflammation and destruction of bone caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. No fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest pain, or palpitations were reported. 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. In todays blog post, Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly discusses why the risk of a cat bite infection has become a growing concern. 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 In cat bite wounds, they are followed by Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria and Moraxella spp. Use to remove results with certain terms Disclaimer. There was limited range of motion at the PIP joint on the second digit. Cleveland's Most Fascinating Medical Stories: How Does a Cat Bite Turn Use for phrases [Sepsis after cat bite-How medical history, physical examination and interdisciplinary cooperation influence disease progression]. This data suggests that a lot of cat bites come when petting or interacting with cats. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. Introduction. 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. 1984 May;63(3):133-54. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! and transmitted securely. Does the amount of Vitamin D you have affect your odds of getting multiple sclerosis? Lim JS, et al. Its really just a function of their slender, sharp fangs. First, be sure to clean the wound. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. 2022 Feb 23;14(5):867. doi: 10.3390/polym14050867. A prescription was given prophylactically for amoxicillin (Augmentin) 875 mg one orally b.i.d. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. At the initial visit, Mr. H was alert and oriented. eCollection 2022. The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the. 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. Early treatment reduces the severity of many animal bites. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (2016). 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. If the cat is healthy after 10 days, there is no risk to the person who was bitten. An official website of the United States government. Bothun said she still feels pain in her wrist and does not have full movement. What are the top 3 benefits of Vitamin E? Can vitamin D help maintain muscle strength? 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. Of course, if the cat's fangs go in very deep, this could be worrisome and worth a doctor's visit! Cat Bite, extreme pain, swelling, numbess | Pet - Steady. Health o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Cat Bites Worse Than Dog Bites? 'Pinprick' Injuries Can 'Seed Bacteria Can taking antioxidants protect you against cancer? PMC sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal Cat bites may look small, but they can turn into serious problems. How long after a cat bite does infection set in? Be sure to stay calm if you are bitten by a cat. Discharge instructions and wound-care handouts were provided. What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? One of the more common is a highly pathogenic bacterium, Pasteurella multocida. After being advised of the risk for infection, Mr. H agreed to follow up in three days or sooner if symptoms worsened. [Hyatt, 2017] Patients often present 2-5 days after an injury. Avoidance of bites, prompt wound management, and judicious use of antibiotics decrease antimicrobial resistance and infection incidence. Diagnosis of Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Cats 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 Physical examination findings of erythema and swelling at presentation were also associated with increased risk of hospitalization. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. If you dont know the rabies status of the animal, try to locate it and call animal control. 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. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. A tetanus shot was administered. They are most often located on the upper extremities and are almost always accompanied by scratches [2-4]. Minor injuries from family pets may lead to serious wounds, facial damage, and emotional problems. Use soap and water or an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Animal Bite on Finger: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options - Healthline Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. 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. Infected Cat Bite On The Wrist Photograph by Dr P. Marazzi/science from fineartamerica.com. Keywords: The drug of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg b.i.d. The .gov means its official. 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. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] MeSH terms Adult Aged 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. Cat Scratch Fever: See Your Doctor + Find Natural Relief - Dr. Axe 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). Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments. Mr. H was sent to radiology for an x-ray to rule out fracture, dislocation, and signs of osteomyelitis. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). 2006 Nov-Dec;106(6):692-5. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2006.11679983. Bookshelf Some people need surgery, though. If the cat's tooth reached your finger's tendon, it can be very difficult for your body to beat the infection. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biological sciences fromCornell University. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. "I washed the wounds on my wrist and put antiseptic on them," Bothun said. An initial assessment of early cellulitis and right-hand pain secondary to the cat bite and fall was made. Pasteurella multocida infections. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. 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. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. Dutton LK, Hinchcliff KM, Logli AL, Mallett KE, Suh GA, Rizzo M. JB JS Open Access. These include: If the cat bite is deep, it can damage your tendon(s). On physical examination, BP was 118/80, pulse 106, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, temperature 99.9F, and pulse oxygenation 98%. Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. for 10 days. There was full range of motion in the right wrist and all other digits of the right hand. Purpose: del Mar Amador M, et al. Active range of motion deficits are present at the wrist and thumb due to pain and swelling. J Hand Surg Am. The skin was warm and dry to touch. Wrist Tendonitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic Weber DJ, Wolfson JS, Swartz MN, Hooper DC. 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. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. He said people tend to ignore cat bites because they are so small, but they can lead to a laundry list of medical treatments. government site. The information shared in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. "Cats' teeth are sharp and can penetrate very deeply. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. 1. This virus is almost always fatal when untreated, but its extremely rare. for three to five days. ANZ J Surg. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. (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. 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. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Infectious tenosynovitis - UpToDate 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.. If left untreated, infections can potentially lead to scarring, tissue loss, or even life threatening sepsis. 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. 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. reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite. July 2012 edited July 2012. more serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever or muscle weakness. 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. 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. Multiple scratch wounds of various lengths across the dorsum of the right hand were nondraining and erythematous. - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. 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. 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. Animal Bites - Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle Stay away from stray or feral cats. "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. Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. Immediately after the incident, Mr. H. washed his wounds with soap and water, applied antibiotic ointment, and took ibuprofen for pain relief. Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. 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.