A cat bite on the hand can turn into a hospital stay, according to a new study. eCollection 2021 Sep. Strwald Y, Erdle B, Busch P, Kalbhenn J, Bansbach J. Anaesthesist. Read More, The Conscious Cat Product Guide features all of the best products for cats and cat lovers. Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. Disclaimer. We cannot answer questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days in Group A, and 9.2 days in Group B, (p < .01). Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. Bacteria can be potentially seeded down into joints and tendon sheaths, far away from where it would be immediately noticed. This then causes the wound to potentially close up around the bacteria, which can lead to an infection. Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect your lower arm to the bones in your fingers. 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. Numbness, pain and weakness may be symptoms of it. Go to doctor or ER: Cat bites to the hand and wrist have a high incidence of infection. Pasteurella multocida infections. "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. Tendons And Ligaments In The Hand Are. Cat bites carry other risks besides infections. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biological sciences from. loss of mobility in your finger or hand. 4th ed., Gainesville Fla.: Barmarrae Books; 2003. Univariate and multivariate statistical regression were used to analyze the data. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Polymers (Basel). Check for signs such as bruising, punctured skin, bleeding, and objects stuck in the wound. Before Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. . PMC First, be sure to clean the wound. Obviously, the best bite is the one that has been prevented. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. 6. 20 . Monitor the area over the following few days for any usual symptoms or pain. Careers. Of the hospitalized patients, 67% (n = 38) underwent irrigation and debridement, with 8 patients requiring more than 1 operation. Deep puncture wounds from animal bites become morbid if not promptly tended and closely followed. 'A cat bite is much worse than a dog or rat bite. A 29-year-old woman with fever after a cat bite. 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Acute carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand following a cat bite. Treatment of hand infections using WALANT -when the anesthesiologist is not available: A retrospective cohort study. These bites may look harmless, but it is important to take immediate medical action after the initial injury. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; 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. The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. Cat bites can results in mild scarring, the raised area is probably a little scar tissue settling down. ", SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Feb. 5, 2014. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. any link with venom from cat bite affecting central nervous system? The warm and dark inner layers of your skin are optimal for the growth of the bacteria. Keywords: A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. - dog bite: - consider viridans strep, pasteurella multocida, bacteroides, fusobacterium, capnocytophaga; - prophylactic treatment: augmentin / amoxicillin or with allergy ( cipro + clindamycin) If you cant capture the cat, you might need to start rabies vaccination as a precaution. Mr. H returned in three days as instructed. and Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. You love your cat. Cat bite injuries to the hand can progress to serious infection. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. and transmitted securely. Because cat bites usually cover a small area, you will probably be able to cover it with an over-the-counter adhesive Band Aid. 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. Cat bite infections of the hand: assessment of morbidity and predictors of severe infection. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. While all bites carry bacteria, your body manages to fend off most infections from dog bites. 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. Infection is the consequence of cat bites that medical professionals are most worried about. She said what followed was eight weeks in and out of the hospital, two weeks of surgery every other day to flush the infection out of the wound and remove infected tissue, and antibiotics to treat the rampant infection. Stay away from stray or feral cats. When the injury has occurred, wash the wound with soap and then apply antiseptics. We've visualized two studie We've visualized the results of a new clinical trial that compared butter, cocon How long does COVID-19 live on Plastic? What are the top 3 benefits of Vitamin E? Tendon rupture: When a tendon separates from the tissue, in part or completely, it is supposed to be attached to, a tendon rupture occurs. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn. Animal bites usually contain multiple potential pathogens, including Pasteurella multocida (particularly in cat bites), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. 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). Extensor Tendon Injuries are traumatic injuries to the extensor tendons that can be caused by laceration, trauma, or overuse. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. How long after a cat bite does infection set in? 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. The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. Cats bite mostly on hands, arms or legs. Nelson CA, et al. Sbai MA, et al. Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. 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. Mr. H was unable to perform full flexion of the second digit. Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the zone of injury. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Copyright 2023 Haymarket Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the red streaks that run up your hand and arm. Thirty percent (n = 57) of patients with cat bites to the hand were hospitalized. Uphold CR, Graham MV. (2016). The right arm was placed in a sling for elevation of the extremity. The skin on the second digit of the right hand showed significant edema and erythema circumferentially (Figure 1). Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks. Dr. Philip Schwarzman answered. 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. Active range of motion deficits are present at the wrist and thumb due to pain and swelling. The site is secure. If left untreated, infections can potentially lead to scarring, tissue loss, or even life threatening sepsis. Osteomyelitis following domestic animal bites to the hand: Two case reports and practical guidelines. What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. They respond aggressively when their home is disturbed, biting and injecting venom. Cat bites are serious! In severe cases, surgery may be . The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Rabies is rare but deadly. There was limited range of motion at the PIP joint on the second digit. Once symptoms are present, rabies is typically fatal. Disclaimer. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. Wrist tendon pain usually goes away with rest, medication, injections or splinting. J Hand Surg Am. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. The study showed that administering antibiotics failed in 21 of the 193 patients, who later received treatment in the hospital. Wear thick protective gloves when handling an injured or stray cat. Bites on the hand are also at a high risk of infection. If the cat is healthy after 10 days, there is no risk to the person who was bitten. Multiple scratch wounds of various lengths across the dorsum of the right hand were nondraining and erythematous. 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. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only 1 to 3 cases in the United States each year. in New Orleans, where he was awarded the Orthopedic Surgery award. Cat bite: an injury not to underestimate. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. But while a kitten bite may be cute, an adult cat bite can be painful. - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre . Pet owners must be made aware of the seriousness of a cat bite. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. At six-weeks postoperative, Mr. H had full range of motion and increased strength in the right hand. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound, the infection would just get worse. 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. Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn 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. 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. 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. 2002 Jan;34(1):22-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-22103. cat bite wrist tendonjameel disu biography. 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. Wecannot answer individual questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. for three to five days. As your body works to fight the bacteria in the cat bite, you may develop a fever. He was on day three of Augmentin and taking it as directed. Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. If you dont know the rabies status of the animal, try to locate it and call animal control. Domestic cat bites are common and are often treated by simple wound care with good outcome. 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. 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. Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. Theres also the risk that a cats teeth will break off during a bite and need to be extracted. Dog and cat bites. fever or chills. 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. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Acta Chir Belg. Its not something you want to take any chances with. Conclusions: del Mar Amador M, et al. Its really just a function of their slender, sharp fangs. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. A prescription was given prophylactically for amoxicillin (Augmentin) 875 mg one orally b.i.d. Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. Early treatment is beneficial in decreasing the risk of infection. Avoidance of bites, prompt wound management, and judicious use of antibiotics decrease antimicrobial resistance and infection incidence. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. 1. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. In cat bite wounds, they are followed by Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria and Moraxella spp. The small but deep puncture wounds are. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal "The bites lead to serious infections that can require multiple hospitalizations, antibiotics and sometimes surgery," Carlsen said. 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. Please login or register first to view this content. and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. Almost 40% of cases had flexor tendon sheath infection of the fingers. o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] eCollection 2021 Nov. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. QUESTIONS. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2021 Aug;70(8):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s00101-021-01003-9. 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. Before Read all about risks and treatment for a cat bite. The skin was warm and dry to touch. Last Updated on: January 25, 2023 by Crystal Uys. The information shared in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Kanavel's Signs: Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Source: The management of bite wounds in children--a retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre. You may need to be on antibiotics so get medical care. 2020 Jul 23;12(7):e9357. 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. Type of study/level of evidence: Cat bites and scratches: Sometimes more than just a cut. Can antioxidants supercharge your brain power? Lim JS, et al. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. If you decide to delay medical care, watch closely for signs of infection. Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high risk of infection. Which means there are very few white blood cells to fight the bacteria, and they have an easy time infecting your tendon cells. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. "A bite on the thigh probably isn't an issue because the cat probably just bites the fat," Carlsen said. "They can be very serious. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. Skin infections, known as cellulitis, can occur quickly after a bite. The drug of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg b.i.d. Diagnosis of Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Cats reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. 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. Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments. The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-23-01-47. Through this website and links to other websites, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD provides general information for educational purposes only. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. According to a 2018 research review, infection occurs in about 50 percent of cat bites in children. 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. 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.. 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. "We don't play like we used to," Bothun said. The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the. There was minimal pain and bleeding. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. 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. Cat bite: An unusual cause of foot drop. . The pain was markedly worse during second-digit flexion attempts or when pressure was applied. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. In almost all states, a cat that has bitten a human or another domestic animal must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. Additionally, cats' mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. Epidemiology A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. If you have some antibiotic cream such as neosporin, apply it. This data suggests that a lot of cat bites come when petting or interacting with cats. Their razor-sharp teeth and nails can puncture deeply, sometimes penetrating tissues, ligaments and tendons. 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). Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. In fact, the infection rate from a cat bite is fairly high. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. Infected Cat Bite On The Wrist Photograph by Dr P. Marazzi/science from fineartamerica.com. All rights reserved. What are are the Differences between Cat and Dog Bites? Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage. Never try to separate cats who are fighting. 2017 Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly Frost Bite most commonly injures your ears and nose. Some people need surgery, though. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! MeSH However, delayed presentation may lead to significant morbidity or even mortality. This includes bites that: [8] Are on the face 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. Some bruising may develop, but the wound should heal within a week to 10 days. 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. A red area around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury. However, more severe reactions can occur, and rashes can develop. Tendon and tissue damage. They can seed bacteria in the joint and tendon sheaths. 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. INTRODUCTION. Use OR to account for alternate terms While five- to nine-year-old males are the. If you know the cat thats bitten you has a rabies vaccine, its unlikely that youll contract rabies. Cats bite for a variety of reasons. The site is secure. The bites can even be so deep that they damage a victim's nerves, tendons and . Current medications included lisinopril 10 mg daily and pravastatin 20 mg daily. This is a combination of a skin disorder (psoriasis) and . Accessibility Conscious Cat is reader-supported. You should not use this information in place of a consultation or the advice of your healthcare provider. . The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the "When my grandkids come over I don't let him around them, because things happen.". Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. The oral flora of humans includes Eikenella corrodens, staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. Your physician may also recommend a tetanus shot. 2022 Mar 24;7(1):e21.00084. 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. S61.451A is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. By joining Cureus, you agree to our Can Vitamin D affect your risk of heart disease? Relatively few bites occur on the leg (9%) suggesting that walking away from a frightened cat may be a good strategy. The code is valid during the fiscal year 2023 from October 01, 2022 through September 30, 2023 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. Follow-up evaluation should focus on early detection and diagnosis of tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. Weber DJ, Wolfson JS, Swartz MN, Hooper DC. 8600 Rockville Pike What to do? Symptoms include not only pain, but also numbness and paresthesia. . Bats are one of the most common carriers of rabies. 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. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. loss of sensation in . Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. A tetanus shot was administered. Infections occur as a result of a combination of the oral flora of the animal and the human skin flora. Ms. Henderson is a family nurse practitioner at Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareAll Saints in Racine, Wisc. government site. Infection in these tissues can be very painful and difficult to treat. In the study, researchers identified 193 Mayo Clinic patients with cat bites to the hand from January 1, 2009, through 2011. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. An initial assessment of early cellulitis and right-hand pain secondary to the cat bite and fall was made. 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. Am Fam Physician. COVID-19 Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. and transmitted securely.