What is it?
All types of bites independent of source
- If bitten, clean the wound wash with soap and water a or if possible wash the wound with salt water solution and left open to help to prevent infection.
- If bleeding, a clean towel or gauze should be used and pressed on wound area to slow or stop bleeding.
- Antibiotics should be considered if the bite has pierced the skin or one is showing signs of a skin infection with fever and/or shivering especially if with in 24 hours.
See a healthcare professional immediately:
- Animal bite has broken through the skin and bleeding has not stopped after applying pressure greater than 15 minutes.
- Intense fever, heat, swelling, redness, pus –like discharge within 24 hours of bite.
- If a person has a weak immune system
Do not wait go to hospital or nearest medical clinic providing such services
- Get a tetanus immunisation especially if it was greater than five years ago or if one can’t remember when it was done.
- Human bites: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and a H.I.V test should be considered.
- All human bites: Any superficial wounds without underlying fractures or tissue compromise, particularly on the face or scalp, immediate primary closure can be considered to optimize cosmetic outcomes.
- Bite wounds on the hands or feet are typically left open because these areas are especially prone to infection and poor healing. Patients who undergo primary closure should have their wounds monitored closely, with re-evaluation for signs of infection within 48-72 hours rather than waiting a full week.
If develop the following conditions:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Cats and dogs or similar
However all bites carry a high risk of infection.
- Cat bites are more prone to infection than dog bites , as they have more needle-like teeth that can penetrate deeper in to the skin and allow bacteria to enter to deep parts of the tissue skin.
Human bites
Plain radiographs are recommended in patients with suspected trauma or infections. In wound care, radiographs provide early identification of bone involvement, foreign bodies, and deep infections.
- Obtaining cultures in every case is unnecessary and rarely changes empiric management.
- Cultures are more useful when infection is already evident or when initial therapy fails and ideally should be obtained before antibiotics are started.
- Ultrasound is indicated in closed-fist injuries (punch into opponents teeth) involving the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Medscape
Cause
- Bacteria:
- Dog bites : Bacteriodes, Fusobacterium, , Prevotella, Staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pastruella
- Cat bites: Pastruella
- Humans: Eiknella corrodens
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for ambulance if have or develop:
All types of bites independent of source
- If bitten, clean the wound wash with soap and water a or if possible wash the wound with salt water solution and left open to help to prevent infection.
- If bleeding, a clean towel or gauze should be used and pressed on wound area to slow or stop bleeding.
- Antibiotics should be considered if the bite has pierced the skin or one is showing signs of a skin infection with fever and/or shivering especially if with in 24 hours.
See a healthcare professional immediately:
- Animal bite has broken through the skin and bleeding has not stopped after applying pressure greater than 15 minutes.
- Intense fever, heat, swelling, redness, pus –like discharge within 24 hours of bite.
- If a person has a weak immune system
Do not wait go to hospital or nearest medical clinic providing such services
- Get a tetanus immunisation especially if it was greater than five years ago or if one can’t remember when it was done.
- Human bites: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and a H.I.V test should be considered.
- All human bites: Any superficial wounds without underlying fractures or tissue compromise, particularly on the face or scalp, immediate primary closure can be considered to optimize cosmetic outcomes.
- Bite wounds on the hands or feet are typically left open because these areas are especially prone to infection and poor healing. Patients who undergo primary closure should have their wounds monitored closely, with re-evaluation for signs of infection within 48-72 hours rather than waiting a full week.
If develop the following conditions:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Animal bite treatment in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- Medical News Today
Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.
- Medscape (Professional level)
Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.
- Healthline
Medical Information and health advice you can trust
- EveryDay Health
Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.
- Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- WebMD
Better Information. Better Health.
- Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
- Mayo Clinic
No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)
- Drugs.com
Know more. Be sure.
- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.
- Verywell Health
Know more. Fell better.
- Nathnac
Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.
- DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
- Better health - NHS
Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.
There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!
