Cureus | Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite Read all about risks and treatment for a cat bite. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. Introduction. Ellis R, et al. 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. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Checking for Immediate Trauma. . How to Know if a Pet Bite Is Serious: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Cat and dog bites. Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath in Guyon's Canal Causing Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome . 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. 2014 Feb;39(2):286-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.11.003. Conscious Cat is reader-supported. Cat bites and scratches: Sometimes more than just a cut. Bite Injuries - TeachMeSurgery Mr. H. was then sent for immediate orthopedic surgical evaluation. Am Fam Physician. COVID-19 Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. 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. Conclusions: 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. Go to doctor or ER: Cat bites to the hand and wrist have a high incidence of infection. 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. In cat bite wounds, they are followed by Streptococci, Staphylococci, Neisseria and Moraxella spp. Dawn Bothun, of Minnesota said a bite on her hand turned into an eight-week hospital ordeal and $150,000 in medical bills. Results were negative for fracture, dislocation, and lytic or blastic lesions. Check for signs such as bruising, punctured skin, bleeding, and objects stuck in the wound. Use to remove results with certain terms According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are only 1 to 3 cases in the United States each year. The site is secure. Use soap and water or an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. A doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to fight off the infection. "The infection from the cat bite reached my tendon," Bothun said. Pulling away, Mr. H fell back and landed on a coffee table with his open right hand hyperextended. Cat Bite Cellulitis Treatment of infected bite wounds of the hand includes surgical debridement, with the wound left open, and antibiotics. Its not something you want to take any chances with. Your sharp, long teeth can leave deep punctate injuries. 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. Cat-Scratch Disease: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment - familydoctor.org Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. 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. They may take a culture swab to help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. In fact, a 2013 research review showed that Pasteurella is the most common organism isolated from both cat and dog bites. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the 2019 Dec;53(6):341-346. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1637750. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. A doctor will decide if the wound needs stitches or surgery to heal properly. Dry the bite first, to help the Band Aid stick. Multiple scratch wounds of various lengths across the dorsum of the right hand were nondraining and erythematous. When a cat lands on the ground incorrectly after jumping, the ligaments and tendons are at risk of tearing, rupturing or breaking down over time. 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. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. 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. The patient was able to return to work. for three to five days. You may need to begin rabies treatment if the cat thats bitten you shows any rabies symptoms. Avoidance of bites, prompt wound management, and judicious use of antibiotics decrease antimicrobial resistance and infection incidence. While 3-18 percent of dog bites become infected, another study reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. The CDC says that the incubation period for rabies (time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms) can be weeks to months. Can taking antioxidants protect you against cancer? "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. A 29-year-old woman with fever after a cat bite. Cat Bites On Humans - Very Common Problems with Solutions Moggie lovers beware! One bite from a cat can put you on the critical Cat Bite Cellulitis Nadia F. from ePlasty. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. In todays blog post, Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly discusses why the risk of a cat bite infection has become a growing concern. The skin on the second digit of the right hand showed significant edema and erythema circumferentially (Figure 1). The best way to know if youre dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of them in your home. (2016). . Epub 2019 Jul 9. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Symptoms include not only pain, but also numbness and paresthesia. Bleeding may help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into the wound. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand following a cat bite. Mr. Hs right-hand wounds were cleansed with antibacterial soap, betadine wash, and sterile water rinse. Accessibility Results: Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. Disclaimer. While some cat bites may heal without causing infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention for all cat bites. At the initial visit, Mr. H was alert and oriented. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. Felines' sharp teeth can inject harmful bacteria deep into joints and tissue, doctors warn. Not surprising to most who have owned a cat(s), your author included, cat bites most often end up on the hands and arms. 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S61.451A: Open bite of right hand Do not allow kittens and young cats to play with your hands. and transmitted securely. Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. 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. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. 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. 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. Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. Weber DJ, Wolfson JS, Swartz MN, Hooper DC. Can low vitamin D increase risk of cancer? Why Cats Bites Can Cause Serious Injury to Humans | Reston Now [Polymicrobial osteomyelitis on the limb of the hand after a cat bite]. And while cuts. How do you know if a cat bite is infected? Obviously, the best bite is the one that has been prevented. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. MeSH terms Adult Aged Would you like email updates of new search results? Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. And of course, most of us will pet stray cats we meet along the way, but not all seemingly friendly cats remain friendly after being approached by strangers. In severe cases, surgery may be . red streaks that run up your hand and arm. You should not use this information in place of a consultation or the advice of your healthcare provider. Cat Bite Injuries to Humans | VCA Animal Hospital 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. Sources: Babovic N, Carlsen BT, Cayci C. Cat Bite Infections of the Hand: Assessment of Morbidity and Predictors of Severe Infection. Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. Therefore, its important to get an infection from a cat bite treated. If you cant capture the cat, you might need to start rabies vaccination as a precaution. If a cat hasnt been vaccinated for rabies, contact a doctor to decide if you need treatment known as rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). (2016). Roughly 400,000 cat bites occur in the United States each year. An infectious disease consultation was ordered. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. What are the top 3 benefits of Vitamin E? Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. . Cat bite victims sometimes must have their wounds surgically irrigated or even have infected tissue removed, a procedure called debridement. Infections occur as a result of a combination of the oral flora of the animal and the human skin flora. 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. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. The right arm was placed in a sling for elevation of the extremity. 1995 Aug;52(2):479-85, 489-90. Cat bites with infections can become not only painful, but also red or discolored, and swollen. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. 2022 Feb 23;14(5):867. doi: 10.3390/polym14050867. 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. 'A cat bite is much worse than a dog or rat bite. Treatment of hand infections using WALANT -when the anesthesiologist is not available: A retrospective cohort study. Issues related to infectious tenosynovitis will be reviewed here. All patients recently treated at our institution for cat bite injuries to the hand were retrospectively reviewed. The pain almost drove me up the . Fire ants are found in many southern U.S. states. Noninfected bite wounds may require surgical debridement and prophylaxis with 50% of the dose of antibiotic used to treat infected wounds. Immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection from these bacteria. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. The treatment of such infections often requires hospitalization, intravenous antibiotic therapy, and operative treatment. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. Last medically reviewed on March 22, 2021. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-23-01-47. Regardless of how a cat bite happens, it is not something to take lightly. 1. 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). The condition can cause pain when you grip and lift objects or move your wrist or fingers. Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. As your body works to fight the bacteria in the cat bite, you may develop a fever. Review: The Cat in the Window And Other Stories of the Cats We Love. Early treatment reduces the severity of many animal bites. According to the study patients with bites directly over the wrist or any joint have a higher risk of hospitalization. An infection from a cat bite can lead to more serious complications if not treated right away. - dog bite: - consider viridans strep, pasteurella multocida, bacteroides, fusobacterium, capnocytophaga; - prophylactic treatment: augmentin / amoxicillin or with allergy ( cipro + clindamycin) Enechukwu AOM, Bucher F, Dastagir K, Jokuszies A, Vogt PM, Knneker S. Ann Med Surg (Lond). Careers. However, delayed presentation may lead to significant morbidity or even mortality. A regular cat bite that just breaks the skin isn't really anything to worry about. Almost 40% of cases had flexor tendon sheath infection of the fingers. 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. If there is a lot of blood, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. 2002 Jan;34(1):22-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-22103. And your cat loves you (in its own fashion). [Hyatt, 2017] PFT is a clinical diagnosis!! 2022 Dec 16;55:e0372-2022. After being advised of the risk for infection, Mr. H agreed to follow up in three days or sooner if symptoms worsened. Minor injuries from family pets may lead to serious wounds, facial damage, and emotional problems. Diagnosis of Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Cats Capillary refill to the upper extremities measured fewer than three seconds. These red streaks are from the infection traveling down your lymph system. Cat bite: an injury not to underestimate. fever or chills. If the bite or scratch hasn't penetrated the skin, the chance of infection is minimal. Pasteurella species was isolated from 35% of infected wounds. However, they can also bite or scratch if spooked or if they get defensive. Patients with joint capsule penetration, tendon injury, or bites older than 24 hours were excluded. Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. eCollection 2021 Sep. Strwald Y, Erdle B, Busch P, Kalbhenn J, Bansbach J. Anaesthesist. Tendon and tissue damage. Time from bite to presentation, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values at presentation were not associated with hospitalization. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. The study showed that administering antibiotics failed in 21 of the 193 patients, who later received treatment in the hospital. o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Would you like email updates of new search results? He was on day three of Augmentin and taking it as directed. Cat bite - what to do? Clean bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water. Their razor-sharp teeth and nails can puncture deeply, sometimes penetrating tissues, ligaments and tendons. left hand was severely bitten by a cat that animal control brought in. Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. Terms of Use. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Lesions caused by human and domestic and wild animal bites. Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Cats - Symptoms, Causes - WagWalking 2006;31:468-473. Bliss 101 Registered User regular. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year, mainly by dogs. Use interactive toys to play with your cat instead. Pain, tingling, and limited range of motion after a cat bite to the Of those, 57 were hospitalized; on average, they were in the hospital three days. Positive tactile response to the digits of the right hand was achieved. Copyright 2023 Haymarket Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved Give them time to calm down before approaching them. In more extreme cases, redirected aggression can cause a cat to lash out at her guardian and cause severe damage. Before joining Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, he completed a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the prestigiousPhiladelphia Hand Center. In almost all states, a cat that has bitten a human or another domestic animal must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period. Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. Nelson CA, et al. eCollection 2021 Sep. Malizos KN, Papadopoulou ZK, Ziogkou AN, Rigopoulos N, Athanaselis ED, Varitimidis SE, Dailiana ZC. Cat Bite Infection: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - Cats.com Cat Bites May Lead to Infections: Treatment and When to Get Help While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. How to Treat Cat Bites and Cat Bite Infections - Catster eCollection 2022 Jan-Mar. Mr. Hs medical history included hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and tobacco abuse. Common pathogens include Pasteurella species, Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, anaerobes, Capnocytophaga, Moraxella, Corynebacterium, and Neisseria. Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. Dog Bite Wounds to Hand - Human Bite Wounds - Hand Surgeons Western Two-third of those hospitalized needed surgery. It was strongly advised that the patient follow up the next day, but Mr. H declined. The code is valid during the fiscal year 2023 from October 01, 2022 through September 30, 2023 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. There are tons of dangerous bacteria flourishing inside a cats mouth. 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. Use OR to account for alternate terms 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. They are most often located on the upper extremities and are almost always accompanied by scratches [2-4]. Dog bites take about twice as long to set in. 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. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. 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. All rights reserved. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. Infection is the consequence of cat bites that medical professionals are most worried about. Frost Bite most commonly injures your ears and nose. Extensor Tendon Injuries are traumatic injuries to the extensor tendons that can be caused by laceration, trauma, or overuse. Cats, meanwhile, have sharp teeth and that dramatically increases the risk for a cat bite infection. It may be painful or tender when touched or pressed. However, play it safe by washing the area thoroughly with soap and water. To care for your wound at home, follow these steps: If the following symptoms occur, seek medical attention: If you have a pet cat, make sure to take them to regular veterinary visits to stay updated on vaccines. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. S61.451A is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 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. Its recommended that you have a tetanus booster after a cat bite if its been more than 5 years since youve had the vaccine. This is particularly true when patients develop inflamed skin and swelling. (2017). 2017 Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly Cathrombosis: Deep Vein Thrombosis After a Cat Bite - A Case Report However, more severe reactions can occur, and rashes can develop. 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. In areas where MRSA is prevalent, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, doxycycline, or linezolid should be used instead of a cephalosporin. You love your cat. Mr. H was unable to perform full flexion of the second digit. Dr. Kaul is the MSN and DNP Program Director and an associate professor at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. Thirty percent (n = 57) of patients with cat bites to the hand were hospitalized. Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. Signs and symptoms warranting earlier evaluation (e.g., fever, chills, increasing edema, erythema, numbness, drainage, and pain) were discussed. Cats carry many bacteria in their mouths capable of causing infections in bite wounds. The content provided in this website and links, is not a substitute for medical care or treatment. Wrist tendonitis is irritation and inflammation of the tendons at the wrist joint. "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. Diabetic fingers with established peripheral neuropathy were more likely to undergo amputation. Accessibility - The management of bite wounds in children--A retrospective analysis at a level I trauma centre .