Bite: Animal or Human

>> >> >> Bite: Animal or Human

TYPES OF ANIMAL BITES:

Bites from rabies-prone wild animal - Rabies is a fatal disease. Bites or scratches from a bat, skunk, raccoon, fox, coyote, beaver, or large wild animals 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 - Rodents such as mice, rats, miles, gophers, chipmunks, prairie dogs, and rabbits fortunately are considered free of rabies. Squirrels rarely carry rabies, but have not transmitted it to humans.
Large pet animal bites - Most bites from pets are from dogs or cats. Bites from domestic animals, such as horses, can be handled using these guidelines. Dogs and cats are free of rabies in most areas. (Check with the local Health Department for exceptions. Stray dogs and cats are at greatest risk.) The main risk in pet bites is serious wound infection, not rabies.Cat bites become infected more often than dog bites. Claw wounds from cats are treated the same as bite wounds, since they are contaminated with saliva.
Small pet animal bites - Small indoor pets (gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, white mice, etc.) are not risk for rabies. Puncture wounds from these animal also do not need to be seen. They carry a small risk of wound infections.
Human bites - Most human bites occur during fights, especially teenagers. Sometimes a fist is cut when it strikes a tooth. Human bites are more likely to become infected than animal bites. Bites on the hand are at increased risk of compilations. Many toddler bites are safe because they do not break the skin.

Home care for the simple bite wound:

Cleanse with ½ strength Peroxide and water.
Antibiotic ointment three (3) times a day.
Monitor for signs and symptoms of secondary infection.
Keep clean and dry.

Call 911 if ….

Major bleeding that cannot be stopped.
Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth while awaiting EMS.

Call our office if or go to Wake Medical Emergency Room if….

Bleeding will not stop with ten minutes of direct pressure.
Any bite, puncture, or scratch from an animal at risk for rabies (REASON: needs irrigation and may need rabies vaccine and immune globulin).
Skin is split open or gagging (a laceration) (REASON: Needs irrigation and sutures).
Cut or tear that goes completely through the skin (REASON: Needs irrigation). (EXCEPTION: Superficial scratches that do not go through the dermis.)
Puncture wound (holes through skin) from cat (teeth or claws, especially on hand and feet) (REASON: 50% risk of wound infection; usually needs prophylactic antibiotics).
Any bite or puncture wound of the face (REASON: Cosmetic risk and may need prophylactic antibiotic).
Bite looks infected (redness, pus, or red streaks).
You want your child seen.
Last Tetanus shot > five (5) years ago (REASON: Needs a Tetanus booster).
Bat contact or exposure without a bite mark (REASON: Postexposure rabies prophylaxis should be considered).

It is okay to monitor certain bites at home:

Human bites that DID NOT break the skin.
Animal bites that are too small to irrigate and are showing no signs of infection (EXCEPTION: Cat/dog bite to hands, feet, or face).

Bite: Animal or Human

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