What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cat Bites
• Dog Bites

What is Animal Bites? (Definition/Background Information)

• Animal Bites can result in minor injuries, where the skin remains intact and a minor bruising may be noticed, or a serious injury. Sometimes, the animal teeth can break the skin causing bleeding or deep puncture wounds. When such an injury occurs, the wound may become infected with bacteria or saliva from the animal
• Dogs and cats are the most common animals that cause bite injuries, apart from squirrels, rats, farm animals, and wild animals
• If the Animal Bite does not penetrate the skin, the area surrounding the wound should be cleaned with soap and water. Applying antibiotic ointment and covering the affected area may prevent an infection. If the wound is bleeding, then pressure has to be applied with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to arrest the bleed
• Typically, the prognosis of Animal Bites with timely and proper treatment is good. However, the condition may be prevented by adopting a few simple measures such as avoiding contact with unknown, stray animals and avoiding any attempt to provoke animals (whether pet or stray)

Bites of some animals can cause rabies, a deadly viral infection; although, only a small percentage of individuals who are infected with the rabies virus die each year. A high percentage of the rabies viruses are from wild animals. A majority of pets generally receive the rabies vaccination.

Who gets Animal Bites? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders are susceptible to Animal Bites
• Overall, children, adolescents, and young adults, seem to have the highest risk of being bitten by an animal
• Also, the incidence of this injury is more in men than women

What are the Risk Factors for Animal Bites? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Animal Bites include:

• Individuals who work and play with animals, such as with pet animals, or in zoos, vet clinics, or at farms with domestic animals, etc. have a higher risk
• There is a higher incident rate among children, adolescents, and young adults, typically due to their greater exposure to animals
• Males are more often affected than females

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Animal Bites? (Etiology)

• Dog Bites form the most common subset of Animal Bites in the world; cats are the second most common cause of bites
• Incidence of Animal Bites have been reported from a variety of animals including stray raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, monkeys, rabbits, squirrels, and farm animals

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Animal Bites?

The signs and symptoms vary according to the severity of the bite and may include:

• Bleeding, bruising, and puncture wounds
• If the wound is infected, there could be swelling, redness, pain, fever, and drainage of pus
• Occasionally, there may be an allergic reaction associated with the bite, in some individuals
• Even, if the injury does not tear through the skin, the result may be serious causing injury to the bone, muscle, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, situated beneath the skin
• An Animal Bite that lacerates the skin can increase the risk of an infection. If a disease has been contracted from the Animal Bite, it may cause a fever, headache, and other associated signs and symptoms

How is Animal Bites Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose an Animal Bite may include:

• Physical examination with explanation of the circumstances that caused the bite, including the animal involved and the animal’s overall behavior
• X-rays may be used to check if any bones have been injured or crushed
• Cultures can be taken from the wound to see if there is any infection that has developed

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Animal Bites?

Complications that could arise from Animal Bites include:

• Tetanus: It is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. If the bacterium enters the wound, it will grow and start producing a toxin, which can affect the nervous system
• Cellulitis: An infection caused by bacteria involving the superficial and deep layers of skin
• Rabies: A viral infection caused by a bite from an infected animal. It is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention and suitable treatment

Other complications associated with Animal Bites may include:

• Inflammation of the bone (osteomyelitis)
• Deformity of the skin
• Abscess of the skin
• Loss of joint mobility and function

How is Animal Bites Treated?

The crucial steps to be followed after an Animal Bite are to sterilize the wound immediately and seek medical attention in cases the bite is severe. If there is swelling, redness or other signs of infection, the individual should call a healthcare professional regardless of the severity of the wound. Individuals with weakened immune systems should also seek prompt medical attention after an Animal Bite.

Other treatment measures that may be followed for Animal Bites include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may be used to treat Animal Bites. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• If the Animal Bite does not penetrate the skin, the area surrounding the wound should be cleaned with soap and water
• Applying antibiotic ointment and covering the infected area may prevent an infection. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze
• Antimicrobial therapy can be used to treat overt infections, depending on the severity of the injury
• Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is often provided to help prevent an infection from taking place

How can Animal Bites be Prevented?

Avoiding unnecessary contact with stray animals and refraining from provoking the animal (any animal) can prevent the majority of Animal Bites. Other preventable measures associated with Animal Bites include:

• Do not feed or pet unknown or stray animals
• Never leave small children with animals, even if they are pets
• Avoid disturbing animals (including pets) while they sleep or feed, or if they are with their young ones
• Use common sense and be vigilant while playing with an animal, even if it is the house pet
• Avoid sticking fingers into a pet’s cage at the zoo or in a pet store
• Never approach too close to an unknown animal (even if they are on a leash or restrained); you may be stepping onto their territory and could place yourself at a high risk of being attacked by the animal
• Avoid eye contact with strange animals; it may be construed as a sign of aggression to them
• Educate children at an early age on the do’s and don’ts when they are with animals or pets

What is the Prognosis of Animal Bites? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis is generally good with the administration of appropriate care and medical attention (if necessary), in a timely manner
• Failure to seek appropriate medical help may cause infection from Animal Bites to spread to the bone, causing osteomyelitis
• Poor prognosis is associated with the bites of a rabid animal, which is then left untreated
• The outcome may be poor or unpredictable, if there are multiple and deep bite wounds caused by an animal attack

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Animal Bites:

The following article link will help you understand the first aid treatment for an Animal Bite.

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/first-aid/animal-bites-first-aid/