. Conscious Cat is reader-supported. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Go to doctor or ER: Cat bites to the hand and wrist have a high incidence of infection. A dogs powerful jaws and blunt teeth tend to leave a larger wound, but they dont penetrate as deeply. An infection from a cat bite can lead to more serious complications if not treated right away. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Are cat bites and cat scratches really that scary? : r/cats - reddit Univariate and multivariate statistical regression were used to analyze the data. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. 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. Bats are one of the most common carriers of rabies. Symptoms include not only pain, but also numbness and paresthesia. Cats, like many other mammals, can carry rabies. Treatment can be nonoperative or operative depending on the zone of injury. Tendinitis - WebMD 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. 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). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks. "I washed the wounds on my wrist and put antiseptic on them," Bothun said. Occasionally an infection can cause tendinitis, especially infection from a cat or dog bite to the hand or a finger. The warm and dark inner layers of your skin are optimal for the growth of the bacteria. Zoonotic disease: What can I catch from my cat? 6. Flexor Tenosynovitis Pediatric EM Morsels Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. Therapeutic III. This then causes the wound to potentially close up around the bacteria, which can lead to an infection. Erythema and pain localized to the bite suggest infection. The type of animal involved will determine the specific injury that occurs; cats have a weaker bite but sharper teeth, therefore cause deep puncture wounds, whilst dogs have a strong bite . The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. Checking for Immediate Trauma. FOIA [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. 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. If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge from the wound, increasing pain, or difficulty moving the hand, seek emergency care. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. When cats bite: One in three patients bitten in hand hospitalized Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The drug of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg b.i.d. Cat bites need to be taken seriously and carefully evaluated by doctors, the study authors said. (2017). 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). Pulling away, Mr. H fell back and landed on a coffee table with his open right hand hyperextended. Introduction. Bleeding may help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into the wound. In cat bite wounds, they are followed by Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria and Moraxella spp. According to a 2016 case report, cat bites can injure a nerve in rare cases. (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. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. 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. All rights reserved. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Joint spaces were preserved, and bony structures were in good alignment. "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. (2018). Most domestic cats are already vaccinated against rabies. Cats dont have more bacteria in their mouths than dogs. Reasons Why Cats Bite and How to Stop It - The Spruce Pets Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening. How long after a cat bite does infection set in? Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Patient demographics, medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory values, and long-term follow-up data were collected. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. Risk factors associated with hospitalization included smoking, immunocompromised state, and location of bite over a joint or tendon sheath. Though house cats are often vaccinated against the most serious diseases, like rabies, stray cats arent usually vaccinated and can carry several diseases. 2002 Jan;34(1):22-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-22103. After being advised of the risk for infection, Mr. H agreed to follow up in three days or sooner if symptoms worsened. Cats can also injure their tendons or ligaments slowly over time as a result of repetitive straining, overexertion, or fatigue. 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. In the Mayo Clinic study, eight of the 193 patients surveyed required more than one operation, and some had to have reconstructive surgery. Why Cats Bites Can Cause Serious Injury to Humans | Reston Now Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. left hand was severely bitten by a cat that animal control brought in. All rights reserved. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. If you dont know the rabies status of the animal, try to locate it and call animal control. Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. "When my grandkids come over I don't let him around them, because things happen.". . He described severe nonradiating pain to his right hand and second digit unrelieved by Vicodin or Naprosyn. 'The wrist is packed with tendons and blood vessels, so infection can be pumped to . Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. Some people need surgery, though. Their razor-sharp teeth and nails can puncture deeply, sometimes penetrating tissues, ligaments and tendons. Infections of the Hand and Wrist - Hand Specialists in Western Mass The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. Cats carry many bacteria in their mouths capable of causing infections in bite wounds. However, play it safe by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water. While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biological sciences from. loss of sensation in . If the patient is allergic to penicillin, clindamycin 300 mg orally every 6 hours can be used. 8600 Rockville Pike Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. Acute Hand Infections | AAFP While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected, another study reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. Type of study/level of evidence: The information in this post is not a substitute for medical care. Use for phrases Cat bite: An unusual cause of foot drop. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; 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. Lim JS, et al. INTRODUCTION. Cat Scratch Fever: See Your Doctor + Find Natural Relief - Dr. Axe 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. Animal Bite: Dog Bite vs Cat Bite | The Hand Society Read More, The Conscious Cat Product Guide features all of the best products for cats and cat lovers. Epub 2022 Jul 20. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. With these locations, it's not hard for a cat to puncture a joint or the layer of membrane that covers a tendon. Cats, meanwhile, have sharp teeth and that dramatically increases the risk for a cat bite infection. After receiving his medical degree fromLouisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where he was awarded the Orthopedic Surgery award. In severe cases, surgery may be . "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound, the infection would just get worse. About half the patients visited an emergency room, while the rest went to their primary-care physician. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. The average length of stay for these patients was 3.2 days. any link with venom from cat bite affecting central nervous system? 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Treatment of infected bite wounds of the hand includes surgical debridement, with the wound left open, and antibiotics. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. (2016). If you cant capture the cat, you might need to start rabies vaccination as a precaution. If you do get a cat bite, youll likely find out pretty quickly if its going to get infected. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. "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.". Cat bite leads to surgery. Why, oh why kitty !?! : r/WTF - reddit The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. Use soap and water or an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Report of 34 cases and review of the literature. Thirty percent (n = 57) of patients with cat bites to the hand were hospitalized. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Should You Pop the Blisters Caused by Fire Ant Stings? 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? Diabetic fingers with established peripheral neuropathy were more likely to undergo amputation. Prescribing an antibiotic prophylactically has shown to reduce the rate of infection from cat bites. 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W55.01XA - ICD10Data.com Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. Determine the severity of the bite. If your cats get into a serious scuffle, use a blanket or sturdy piece of cardboard to try to separate them. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Therefore, its important to get an infection from a cat bite treated. How to Treat Cat Bites and Cat Bite Infections - Catster Ellis R, et al. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help 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). 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. Tendon rupture: When a tendon separates from the tissue, in part or completely, it is supposed to be attached to, a tendon rupture occurs. It's the worst animal in the UK to be bitten by. 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. Dont try to capture the cat yourself. 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. Patients with joint capsule penetration, tendon injury, or bites older than 24 hours were excluded. Dog and cat bites. Pediatrics in review. Cat bites are typically puncture wounds that penetrate deeply into the skin and underlying tissues [2] with infection rates of up to 50% [4]. Domestic cat bites are common and are often treated by simple wound care with good outcome. 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. He said people tend to ignore cat bites because they are so small, but they can lead to a laundry list of medical treatments. There is not very much bloodflow to the tendon sheath. 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. Wear thick protective gloves when handling an injured or stray cat. Can Vitamin E protect against heart disease. There is a remarkable amount of research around cat bites. Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. for three to five days. The pain almost drove me up the . What to do? Fever. Cat bite: treatment, risks, complications - hillsteaddental.com Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. Read all about risks and treatment for a cat bite. Disclaimer. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. 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. The patient was switched to cefuroxime (Ceftin) 500 mg b.i.d. The .gov means its official. Cat bites are serious! In the case of dogs and cats, thats not always the case. Osteomyelitis following domestic animal bites to the hand: Two case reports and practical guidelines. Bone or joint pain, abdominal pain (without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), or excessive tiredness for more than 2 . All patients recently treated at our institution for cat bite injuries to the hand were retrospectively reviewed. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Meanwhile, 80 percent of the patients were initially prescribed oral antibiotics, the researchers said. The information shared in this article is not a substitute for medical care. Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments. The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. Source: The management of bite wounds in children--a retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre. Cat Bites: Dont Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment). The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the The site is secure. Cat bites only account for 10-15% of animal bites reported by emergency rooms, but they pose a much greater risk of infection. July 2012 edited July 2012. From furniture, scratching posts, beds and toys to food dishes and litter boxes, youll find everything you need for your feline family members.View the Product Guide. While five- to nine-year-old males are the. Cureus | Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite As for Mr. Bink's, she said they are still on good terms, but things have changed. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Polymers (Basel). "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. PMC Mr. H noted a progression of redness and swelling over the past three days, and admitted inconsistent use of the sling. There are a few people, that develop severe allergic reactions to flea bites and can get irritated by a single bite. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. You may need to be on antibiotics so get medical care. Cat bites can results in mild scarring, the raised area is probably a little scar tissue settling down. An official website of the United States government. The CDC says that the incubation period for rabies (time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms) can be weeks to months. Keywords: Cat bites carry other risks besides infections. Capillary refill to the upper extremities measured fewer than three seconds. Keywords: Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand following a cat bite. for two weeks. 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. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on. Dry the bite first, to help the Band Aid stick. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. Am Fam Physician. The pain was markedly worse during second-digit flexion attempts or when pressure was applied. Positive tactile response to the digits of the right hand was achieved. J Hand Surg Am. The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the. Your sharp, long teeth can leave deep punctate injuries. Before government site. Psoriatic arthritis. 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. 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. Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. Guidelines for the treatment of cat and dog bites in humans. 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? However, they can also bite or scratch if spooked or if they get defensive. The skin on the second digit of the right hand showed significant edema and erythema circumferentially (Figure 1). The patient appeared ill and uncomfortable. Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003778. "A bite on the thigh probably isn't an issue because the cat probably just bites the fat," Carlsen said. of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. J Hand Surg Am. While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. "We don't play like we used to," Bothun said. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. The pain almost drove me up the wall.". 2017 Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly Once symptoms are present, rabies is typically fatal. Because cat bites usually cover a small area, you will probably be able to cover it with an over-the-counter adhesive Band Aid. Most cat bites are treated with antibiotics, with penicillin being the most commonly used drug. The hand should be splinted in the functional position and elevated. Hand and Wrist Injuries: Part II. Emergent Evaluation | AAFP 2006 Nov-Dec;106(6):692-5. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2006.11679983. Use to remove results with certain terms Ms. Henderson is a family nurse practitioner at Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareAll Saints in Racine, Wisc. If you know the cat thats bitten you has a rabies vaccine, its unlikely that youll contract rabies. The bacteria injected by a cat bite can include a strain common in animals and particularly hard to fight with antibiotics, he says. and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. We write about feline health, nutrition, lifestyle, and so many other interesting topics! Careers. How a cat bite has so much bacteria it could be LIFE THREATENING Immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection from these bacteria. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. You can contract cat scratch fever from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. Uphold CR, Graham MV. Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. Pain, tingling, and limited range of motion after a cat bite to the Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. He described a nonradiating pain in the tip of the second digit with limited flexion. It was strongly advised that the patient follow up the next day, but Mr. H declined. Is It Bedbugs, Other Bug Bites, or a Rash? But bewareyour cat can make you sick. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) and naprosyn (Naproxen) were also prescribed for pain and inflammation. Carlsen said the study showed the hand and wrist are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making outpatient antibiotic treatment hard. Active range of motion deficits are present at the wrist and thumb due to pain and swelling. cat bite wrist tendon - moo92.com The oral flora of humans includes Eikenella corrodens, staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. Pasteurella species was isolated from 35% of infected wounds. Through this website and links to other websites, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD provides general information for educational purposes only. [Sepsis after cat bite-How medical history, physical examination and interdisciplinary cooperation influence disease progression]. cat bite hand cellulitis lymphangitis hand infection. Cat Bites: Don't Take Them Lightly (Info & Treatment) Puncture wounds from a cat bite have a high risk of infection. PMC 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. Cat bites can also lead to bone infection, and in extreme cases, septic shock, which is a life-threatening condition. This data suggests that a lot of cat bites come when petting or interacting with cats. A doctor may give you a tetanus vaccine booster if you havent had a tetanus vaccine in the last 5 years. Published by: Ingrid King. . eCollection 2022. Can Vitamin D affect your risk of heart disease? Avoiding the Danger of a Cat Bite Infection. "They can be very serious. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. (2021). Skin infections, known as cellulitis, can occur quickly after a bite. Rabies is rare but deadly. When the injury has occurred, wash the wound with soap and then apply antiseptics. Mr. H was unsure of the date of his last tetanus shot and reported that the cat is up to date on all immunizations. SEE MORE: Symptoms of Infected Cat Bite and Steps To Take For A Cat Bite. Animal bites usually contain multiple potential pathogens, including Pasteurella multocida (particularly in cat bites), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. Pasteurella multocida infections. You need to remove the . 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%. This is a combination of a skin disorder (psoriasis) and . Wrist Tendonitis; DeQuervain's Tendonitis; Carpal Boss; Wrist Fractures; Distal Radius Fracture of the Wrist; Scaphoid Fractures of the wrist . 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. 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. Current medications included lisinopril 10 mg daily and pravastatin 20 mg daily. You may need to begin rabies treatment if the cat thats bitten you shows any rabies symptoms.