Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease. Cat scratches, for examples, even from a kitten can carry "cat scratch disease," a bacterial infection. Other animals can transmit rabies and tetanus. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to become infected.
What are the particular dangers from animal bites?
Bites to the hand, whether from cats or dogs, are potentially dangerous because of the structure of the hand. There are many bones, tendons, and joints in the hand and there is less blood circulation in these areas. This makes it harder for the body to fight infection in the hand.
Infections that develop in the hand may lead to severe complications, such as osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. In small children, bites to the face, neck, or head are extremely hazardous. Because their small stature often puts their heads near dogs’ mouths, children are often bitten in these areas.
Dog bites can cause fractures of the face and skull and lead to brain and nervous system infections. Dog bites cause, on average, about 15-20 fatalities a year in the United States. Most of these victims are infants and young children.
Causes:
Cat bites may have a higher chance of infection. Stray animals and wild animals, such as skunks, raccoons, and bats, also bite thousands of people each year. If you are bitten by a wild animal or an unknown pet, try to keep it in view while you notify animal control authorities for help in capturing it. They will determine if the animal needs to be impounded and checked for rabies. Any animal whose rabies vaccination status is unknown should be captured and quarantined.
Symptoms
• Crushing injuries
• Bruising
• Skin break with or without bleeding
• Puncture-type wound
• Major cuts
In addition, certain diseases can also be transmitted through bites. The symptoms of these may include flu-like symptoms, headache, and fever.
How should I take care of a bite from a cat or a dog?
Here are some things you should do to take care of a wound caused by a cat or dog bite: If necessary, call your doctor. Wash the wound gently with soap and water. Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound. Keep the injury elevated above the level of the heart to slow swelling and prevent infection. Report the incident to the proper authority in your community (for example, the animal control office or the police) and Apply antibiotic ointment to the area 2 times every day until it heals.
Treatment:
1. Never Panic. This will only make the situation worse. Stay as calm as you can and stay in control so you can make educated decisions.
2. Deal with the Wound Immediately. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. This should be done immediately. Then contact your physician for more care and advice.
3. Tell the Animal Care and Control Agency in Your Location about the Dog Bite. Report to your local animal control personnel any and all the information you can provide regarding the dog. If it is a stray dog describe the dog also tell them where you saw the dog and the direction with which he went.
Prevention.
• Never leave a young child alone with a pet.
• Do not try to separate fighting animals.
• Avoid sick animals and animals that you don't know.
• Leave animals alone while they are eating.
• Keep pets on a leash when in public.
• Select your family pet carefully and be sure to keep your pet's vaccinations (shots) up-to-date.
Alien
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