Cureus. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. 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. (2016). Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. The small but deep puncture wounds are. for three to five days or one double-strength trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole tablet b.i.d. Wrist tendonitis is irritation and inflammation of the tendons at the wrist joint. There is a remarkable amount of research around cat bites. While cat bites look a lot smaller than dog bites, cat bites have certain features that make them more dangerous. Checking for Immediate Trauma. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. Symptoms include not only pain, but also numbness and paresthesia. When cats do bite, the majority of the time it's a bite on the hand or the wrist. You may need to be on antibiotics so get medical care. 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. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-23-01-47. Stay away from stray or feral cats. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. A cat bite on the hand can turn into a hospital stay, according to a new study. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. All patients recently treated at our institution for cat bite injuries to the hand were retrospectively reviewed. Would you like email updates of new search results? Lim JS, et al. Tendon rupture: When a tendon separates from the tissue, in part or completely, it is supposed to be attached to, a tendon rupture occurs. Lesions caused by human and domestic and wild animal bites. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. 4th ed., Gainesville Fla.: Barmarrae Books; 2003. Disclaimer. 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. Current medications included lisinopril 10 mg daily and pravastatin 20 mg daily. S61.451A is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Infection in these tissues can be very painful and difficult to treat. National Library of Medicine "A bite on the thigh probably isn't an issue because the cat probably just bites the fat," Carlsen said. ANZ J Surg. Use to remove results with certain terms Watch the area carefully to see if there are signs of damaged nerves or tendons. Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. Cats can also injure their tendons or ligaments slowly over time as a result of repetitive straining, overexertion, or fatigue. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. 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. Here's what you need to know. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Type of study/level of evidence: When they bite you, they are essentially injecting bacteria deep into your skins tissue. Cat bites are serious! Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. more serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever or muscle weakness. 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. 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. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. Fever. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. Bacteria can be potentially seeded down into joints and tendon sheaths, far away from where it would be immediately noticed. Follow-up evaluation should focus on early detection and diagnosis of tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. The list above outlines the symptoms of an infected bite. Patients with clenched fist injuries tend to wait hours or days after the wound occurs before seeking medical attention, which increases the severity of the infection. Theres also the risk that a cats teeth will break off during a bite and need to be extracted. Keywords: Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. 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. If the cat's tooth reached your finger's tendon, it can be very difficult for your body to beat the infection. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. Some bruising may develop, but the wound should heal within a week to 10 days. 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. However, they can also bite or scratch if spooked or if they get defensive. Common symptoms are localized bone pain and tenderness with constitutional symptoms (in acute read more . For 14 percent of these patients, outpatient treatment with antibiotics didn't work and they needed to be hospitalized. The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. [Treatment of bites to the hand and wrist--is the primary antibiotic prophylaxis necessary?]. ", "It can be just a pinpoint bite mark that can cause a real problem," he said, "because the bacteria get into the tendon sheath or into the joint where they can grow with relative protection from the blood and immune system.". While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. The second digit was warm to touch, red, and swollen. for 10 days. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. Conscious Cat is reader-supported. They respond aggressively when their home is disturbed, biting and injecting venom. Dutton LK, Hinchcliff KM, Logli AL, Mallett KE, Suh GA, Rizzo M. JB JS Open Access. Diabetic fingers with established peripheral neuropathy were more likely to undergo amputation. No fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest pain, or palpitations were reported. These findings should increase concern for a severe infection and warrant hospitalization and urgent consultation with a hand surgeon. 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. Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help Cat bite - what to do? PMC The study, published in the February issue of the Journal of Hand Surgery, also revealed that eight patients needed more than one surgical procedure, and some needed reconstructive surgery. We avoid using tertiary references. The puncture hole can quickly seal over and trap bacteria from the cats mouth under your skin. A dogs powerful jaws and blunt teeth tend to leave a larger wound, but they dont penetrate as deeply. At the initial visit, Mr. H was alert and oriented. The index finger was the most common site of injury (45%). She said because she was uninsured the hospital wrote off some of the bill but she is still making payments. The wound canal can reach into a joint or onto a bone. Ellis R, et al. In the study, researchers identified 193 Mayo Clinic patients with cat bites to the hand from January 1, 2009, through 2011. Cat bites carry other risks besides infections. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9357. Brian Carlsen, a researcher on the study and orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, said cat's fangs penetrate the skin and push bacteria deep into joints and tissue, causing infection. 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. Sbai MA, et al. At six-weeks postoperative, Mr. H had full range of motion and increased strength in the right hand. Open cat bite of wrist; Open cat bite wound of neck; Present On Admission. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. Noninfected bite wounds may require surgical debridement and prophylaxis with 50% of the dose of antibiotic used to treat infected wounds. ", SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Feb. 5, 2014. (2021). 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 . Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. Bula-Rudas FJ, et al. Uphold CR, Graham MV. There was full range of motion in the right wrist and all other digits of the right hand. 1984 May;63(3):133-54. There is not very much bloodflow to the tendon sheath. Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. 2020 Jul 23;12(7):e9357. 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). loss of mobility in your finger or hand. Dr. Kaul is the MSN and DNP Program Director and an associate professor at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. 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. Thirty percent (n = 57) of patients with cat bites to the hand were hospitalized. 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. [Hyatt, 2017] Patients often present 2-5 days after an injury. If you do get a cat bite, youll likely find out pretty quickly if its going to get infected. Pediatrics in review. You may have to try a few different chemical and nonchemical approaches to get rid of bedbugs, especially if you have a large infestation. 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. 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. A prescription was given prophylactically for amoxicillin (Augmentin) 875 mg one orally b.i.d. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Epidemiology An official website of the United States government. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. But while a kitten bite may be cute, an adult cat bite can be painful. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. Early treatment is beneficial in decreasing the risk of infection. . In almost all states, a cat that has bitten a human or another domestic animal must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. Joint spaces were preserved, and bony structures were in good alignment. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. Cats bite mostly on hands, arms or legs. Dont use harsh disinfectants or chemicals to clean the wound, as they may harm tissue and slow down healing. Bleeding may help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into the wound. A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. They may take a culture swab to help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. How do you know if a cat bite is infected? Wear thick protective gloves when handling an injured or stray cat. We identified 193 patients in a 3-year period between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Common pathogens include Pasteurella species, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, anaerobes, Capnocytophaga, Moraxella, Corynebacterium, and Neisseria. July 2012 edited July 2012. Be sure to stay calm if you are bitten by a cat. An infection from a cat bite can lead to more serious complications if not treated right away. Positive tactile response to the digits of the right hand was achieved. 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. Does vitamin D play a role in your risk of dying from cancer? The patient appeared ill and uncomfortable. Rabies is caused by a virus and can be transmitted by bites and scratches from an infected animal, often a dog. 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. Mr. H was diagnosed with a septic joint, scheduled for incision and drainage, and admitted to the hospital overnight for observation. 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. 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. Tenderness along the course of a tendon suggests spread to the tendon sheath. Can vitamin D help maintain muscle strength? Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). All rights reserved. any link with venom from cat bite affecting central nervous system? Use for phrases Its not something you want to take any chances with. (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. Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. The bacteria injected by a cat bite can include a strain common in animals and particularly hard to fight with antibiotics, he says. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. Go to doctor or ER: Cat bites to the hand and wrist have a high incidence of infection. Tendons And Ligaments In The Hand Are. Conclusions: Cat bite injuries to the hand can progress to serious infection. J Hand Surg Am. Its really just a function of their slender, sharp fangs. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. Instead, call the animal control office in your area. . Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening. MeSH Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of a tendon and its synovial sheath; this condition occurs most frequently in the hand and wrist but can occur in any part of the extremities where a tendon glides within a synovial-lined fibro-osseous sheath. 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. To assess the overall morbidity of cat bites to the hand and identify risk factors for hospitalization after such an injury. 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. 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. Immediately after the incident, Mr. H. washed his wounds with soap and water, applied antibiotic ointment, and took ibuprofen for pain relief. What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? eCollection 2021 Sep. Strwald Y, Erdle B, Busch P, Kalbhenn J, Bansbach J. Anaesthesist. Keywords: Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Acta Chir Belg. If the wound is bleeding, dont stop blood flow; in fact, try to encourage bleeding by gently pressing the area around the wound. 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. The drug of choice is amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 mg b.i.d. 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. 2004 Oct;74(10):859-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03189.x. 'The wrist is packed with tendons and blood vessels, so infection can be pumped to . 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. and transmitted securely. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. The oral flora of humans includes Eikenella corrodens, staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average patient with a cat bite first noticed their infections about 12 hours after the bite. Arnica, a homeopathic remedy, can help prevent bruising, and Ledum can help prevent infection. Keywords: Hand or wrist infection; cat bites; delayed treatment; diabetic finger; finger amputation; public awareness. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies Wrist tendinitis (tendonitis) is inflammation in the tendons that connect your lower arm to the bones in your fingers. 2021 Nov 1;71:102993. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102993. Infection is the consequence of cat bites that medical professionals are most worried about. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biological sciences fromCornell University. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. CSD is transmitted when a cat carrying the infection: The following animals are at the highest risk of carrying the infection: Its important to know that CSD is most common in children. Epub 2019 Jul 9. 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. If you dont know the rabies status of the animal, try to locate it and call animal control. 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. Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. 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. Can antioxidants supercharge your brain power? Treatment of infected bite wounds of the hand includes surgical debridement, with the wound left open, and antibiotics. Preoperative Antibiotics Influence Culture Yield in the Treatment of Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Infections. for three to five days. Bothun said she still feels pain in her wrist and does not have full movement. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. 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. what holidays is belk closed; is lamarca prosecco vegan; While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. 2002 Jan;34(1):22-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-22103. Cat bite: An unusual cause of foot drop. 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. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Some people need surgery, though. The patient was able to return to work. Please note that by doing so you agree to be added to our monthly email newsletter distribution list. Capillary refill to the upper extremities measured fewer than three seconds. 6. And while cuts. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. 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). Mr. H was unsure of the date of his last tetanus shot and reported that the cat is up to date on all immunizations. PMC eCollection 2022. Patients with joint capsule penetration, tendon injury, or bites older than 24 hours were excluded. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Read More, The Conscious Cat Product Guide features all of the best products for cats and cat lovers. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. It's the worst animal in the UK to be bitten by. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound, the infection would just get worse. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days in Group A, and 9.2 days in Group B, (p < .01). (2016). The best way to know if youre dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of them in your home. Ms. Henderson is a family nurse practitioner at Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareAll Saints in Racine, Wisc. Wecannot answer individual questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. Immediately wash the wound under running water. As for Mr. Bink's, she said they are still on good terms, but things have changed. This is particularly true when patients develop inflamed skin and swelling. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. Once trapped under the skin, these bacteria spread and multiply, causing infection and inflammation (cellulitis) of the surrounding soft tissues. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Dry the bite first, to help the Band Aid stick. Animal bites usually contain multiple potential pathogens, including Pasteurella multocida (particularly in cat bites), staphylococci, streptococci, and anaerobes. 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. FOIA Pasteurella species was isolated from 35% of infected wounds. 1. Wound cultures were significant for Pasteurella multocida. Enechukwu AOM, Bucher F, Dastagir K, Jokuszies A, Vogt PM, Knneker S. Ann Med Surg (Lond). FOIA Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Kanavel's Signs: Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.". North East Kingdom's Best Variety super motherload guide; middle school recess pros and cons; caribbean club grand cayman for sale; dr phil wilderness therapy; adewale ogunleye family. Within a couple of hours the area was in severe pain, swollen, and red. Animal bites on your hand and fingers are common, especially from pets like dogs and cats. 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. Learn more about rabies in humans here. Can low vitamin D increase risk of cancer? 2022 Oct;35(5):498-499. doi: 10.37201/req/009.2022. J Hand Surg Am. A recent Mayo Clinic study shows that one out of three people who sought treatment for a cat bite to the hand were hospitalized. . Regardless of how a cat bite happens, it is not something to take lightly. The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. In fact, a 2013 research review showed that Pasteurella is the most common organism isolated from both cat and dog bites. About half the patients visited an emergency room, while the rest went to their primary-care physician. Here's how. The more severe the bruising or bleeding looks, the worse the bite is. Any time the skin is punctured, you will experience some level of discomfort, but this initial pain should subside. 8600 Rockville Pike Rabies is rare but deadly. A doctor will decide if the wound needs stitches or surgery to heal properly. "I thought I could manage them on my own but I couldn't move my wrist after a week.". Microorganisms. 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. One of the more common is a highly pathogenic bacterium, Pasteurella multocida. Complications included nerve involvement, abscesses and loss of joint mobility. Time from bite to presentation, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values at presentation were not associated with hospitalization.
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