ANIMAL BITE

Definition

Bite or claw wound from a pet, farm or wild animal

General Information

Animal bites usually need to be seen by a physician because all of them are contaminated with saliva and are prone to wound infection.
Bites from Rabies-Prone Wild Animals: Rabies is a fatal disease. Bites or scratches from a bat, skunk, raccoon, opossum, fox, coyote, or large wild animal are especially dangerous. These animals can transmit rabies even if they have no symptoms. Bats have transmitted rabies without a detectable bite mark.
Small Wild Animal Bites: Small animals such as mice, rats, moles, gophers, chipmunks, and rabbits fortunately are considered free of rabies. Squirrels may rarely carry rabies, but have not transmitted it to humans.
Large Pet Animal Bites: Most pet bites are from dogs or cats. In most metro areas in the US, the main risk from pet bites is serious wound infection, not rabies. Cat bites become infected more often than dog bites. Claw puncture wounds from cats are treated the same as bite wounds, since they are contaminated with saliva. Bites from pet pigs or primates also have a high rate of wound infection. Bites on the hands or feet have a higher risk of infection than bites to other parts of the body.
Small Indoor Pet Animal Bites: Small indoor pets (gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, white mice, rats, etc.) carry no risk for rabies. Puncture wounds from these small animals don't need to be seen. There is a small risk for developing a wound infection.

Cat Scratch - Enlarge Picture

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANIMAL BITE

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

Major bleeding that can't be stopped
First Aid Advice: Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You think you have a serious injury
Bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure (continue pressure until seen by a physician)
Any contact with an animal that may carry rabies
Any cut or injury caused by a wild animal
Any cut or injury caused by pet animal (e.g. dog or cat). EXCEPTION: superficial scratches that don't go through the skin or tiny puncture wound.
Puncture wound (holes through skin) caused by a cat (teeth or claws)
Bite looks infected (redness, swelling, warmth, tender to touch, or red streaks)
First Aid Advice: Wash all bite wounds and scratches with soap and warm water.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think you need to be seen
Your last tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago
Bat contact or exposure with or without a bite mark

Self Care at Home If

Tiny puncture wound or superficial scratches (EXCEPTION: cat puncture wound)
Bite that didn't break the skin

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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR ANIMAL BITE

Bleeding: For any bleeding, apply continuous pressure for 10 minutes.
Cleansing: Wash all wounds immediately with soap and water for 5 minutes. Scrub the wound enough to make it re-bleed a little. Also, flush vigorously under a faucet for a few minutes (Reason: can prevent many wound infections).
Antibiotic ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin, Bacitracin) to the bite 3 times a day for three days.
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (Adults 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (Adults 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, or other contraindications to using this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use ibuprofen for >7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Expected Course: Most scratches, scrapes and other minor bites heal up fine in 3 to 5 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Wound begins to look infected (redness, swelling, warmth, tender to touch, or red streaks)
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 10/2005

Revised 7/2002

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