Cats, meanwhile, have sharp teeth and that dramatically increases the risk for a cat bite infection. . In most jurisdictions, physicians are required to report animal bites to the local health department. Dog and cat bites to the hand: treatment and cost assessment. doi: 10.7759/cureus.9357. Type of study/level of evidence: Victims should be especially concerned about the risk of a cat bite infection if they develop swelling or inflamed skin. North East Kingdom's Best Variety super motherload guide; middle school recess pros and cons; caribbean club grand cayman for sale; dr phil wilderness therapy; adewale ogunleye family. However, more severe reactions can occur, and rashes can develop. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Early treatment reduces the severity of many animal bites. In severe cases, surgery may be . For an infection to set in, bacteria need time to get settled and multiply in your body which is why there is a delay between a bite and any infection symptoms. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The hand should be splinted in the functional position and elevated. . Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks. You should also teach children how to properly handle pets and to make sure they arent doing anything to unintentionally hurt or scare a cat. If you decide to delay medical care, watch closely for signs of infection. Meanwhile, 80 percent of the patients were initially prescribed oral antibiotics, the researchers said. We avoid using tertiary references. Bula-Rudas FJ, et al. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Cats, like many other mammals, can carry rabies. Accessibility eCollection 2022. eCollection 2021 Sep. Strwald Y, Erdle B, Busch P, Kalbhenn J, Bansbach J. Anaesthesist. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorization. You love your cat. Camacho Zamora P, Romn Cabello M, lvarez Garca P, Vzquez Canal E. Rev Esp Quimioter. Serious complications include infectious arthritis Acute Infectious Arthritis Acute infectious (septic) arthritis is a joint infection that evolves over hours or days. The most common cause of human bites is a tooth-induced injury to the metacarpophalangeal joint as a result of a punch to the mouth (clenched fist injury). As your body works to fight the bacteria in the cat bite, you may develop a fever. Never try to separate cats who are fighting. There are a few people, that develop severe allergic reactions to flea bites and can get irritated by a single bite. Part 2 Seek Medical Care for Severe Bites 1 Go to the doctor if your bite is too serious for you to care for it adequately. A doctor will decide if the wound needs stitches or surgery to heal properly. 2021 Sep 9;9(9):e3778. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of S61.451A - other international versions of ICD-10 S61.451A may differ. Purpose: Cat bites to the hand are so dangerous, 1 in 3 patients with such wounds had to be hospitalized, a Mayo Clinic study covering three years showed. The wound canal can reach into a joint or onto a bone. Tetanus is a serious infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. According to Poison Control, CSD is usually not serious, but people with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing a more serious infection. Bookshelf In rare cases, these infections can be fatal. Read on to learn more about symptoms and how to prevent bug bites. Bothun said she waited one week after her black cat, Mr. Binks, bit. Bites that appear at first to be minor can ultimately end up requiring serious medical attention, with outcomes far worse than an apparently more damaging dog bite. Cats bite for a variety of reasons. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the While all bites carry bacteria, your body manages to fend off most infections from dog bites. 0. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Educating the patient about the importance of early management and immediate follow-up can reduce the risk of adverse sequelae and the potential costs of hospitalization and post-bite management. We've visualized two studie We've visualized the results of a new clinical trial that compared butter, cocon How long does COVID-19 live on Plastic? loss of mobility in your finger or hand. Small but deep punctures there led to a higher risk of hospitalization than bites into soft tissue, according to the study. Mr. H, age 45 years, presented to the clinic following a cat bite to his right hand 14 hours prior. The Conscious Cat is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans. Cat bites only account for 10-15% of animal bites reported by emergency rooms, but they pose a much greater risk of infection. Learn about symptoms in cats and humans, and get facts on. There were no signs of infection and no pain. There was minimal pain and bleeding. 2021 Aug;70(8):639-643. doi: 10.1007/s00101-021-01003-9. We identified 193 patients in a 3-year period between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. S61.451A is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Though house cats are often vaccinated against the most serious diseases, like rabies, stray cats arent usually vaccinated and can carry several diseases. In more extreme cases, redirected aggression can cause a cat to lash out at her guardian and cause severe damage. Instead, call the animal control office in your area. Report of 34 cases and review of the literature. Not all cat bites lead to infection, but enough do to warrant caution. Cat scratch disease (CSD) (also known as cat scratch fever) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. However, they can also bite or scratch if spooked or if they get defensive. You should be especially careful if the wound is around your wrist area. Conclusions: Cat bite injuries to the hand can progress to serious infection. In most cases, bites that were positioned directly over the wrist or another joint were more likely to result in hospitalization than bites to soft tissue, the researchers said. Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. del Mar Amador M, et al. Fever. 20 . On physical examination, BP was 118/80, pulse 106, respiratory rate 20 breaths per minute, temperature 99.9F, and pulse oxygenation 98%. Additionally, cats mouths carry a large number of bacteria which can cause serious infections in bite wounds. more serious symptoms of an infection, such as fever or muscle weakness. loss of sensation in . If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. ", SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, Feb. 5, 2014. Once symptoms are present, rabies is typically fatal. If the wound is bleeding, dont stop blood flow; in fact, try to encourage bleeding by gently pressing the area around the wound. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average patient with a cat bite first noticed their infections about 12 hours after the bite. Dont use harsh disinfectants or chemicals to clean the wound, as they may harm tissue and slow down healing. If you suspect youve been bitten by a bat, its important to seek medical attention as soon as, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Here's how. What to do? While most bug bites cause only mild symptoms, some bug bites can transmit disease. Eight out of ten cat bites will become infected, experts warn, as moggies inject bacteria into the tissue when they sink their teeth into their victims, causing blood poisoning. You should not use this information in place of a consultation or the advice of your healthcare provider. Recovery could take four to six months. Discharge instructions and wound-care handouts were provided. and Though these injuries are typically not life-threatening. Stress the importance of immediately washing the wound with antiseptic solution and water and seeking immediate evaluation. These red streaks are from the infection traveling down your lymph system. Treatment for wrist tendonitis can include rest, icing, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hand therapy, and cortisone injections. A small puncture wound, particularly from a human or cat bite, may involve significant injury to the tendon, joint capsule, or articular cartilage. The information shared in this article is not a substitute for medical care. of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. Of those admitted to the hospital, 38 patients needed surgery to clean the wound or remove infected tissue. Two thirds of those hospitalized during the study required surgery to flush out the infection in the wounds and middle-aged women were the most common bite victims. for three to five days. Through this website and links to other websites, Brandon P. Donnelly, MD provides general information for educational purposes only. Copyright 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Mr. H was unsure of the date of his last tetanus shot and reported that the cat is up to date on all immunizations. Follow-up evaluation should focus on early detection and diagnosis of tenosynovitis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis. In fact, the infection rate from a cat bite is fairly high. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0372-2022. If you know the cat thats bitten you has a rabies vaccine, its unlikely that youll contract rabies. What are are the Differences between Cat and Dog Bites? Its not something you want to take any chances with. Polymer-Based Constructs for Flexor Tendon Repair: A Review. This means that the cat's saliva has a chance to enter the sealed-off areas of joints and tendons, which make a prime breeding ground for the . Use soap and water or an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Open wound of wrist, hand and fingers ( S61) S61.451A is a billable ICD-10 code used to specify a medical diagnosis of open bite of right hand, initial encounter. While five- to nine-year-old males are the principal victims of dog bites, middle-aged women were the most common victims of cat bites to the hand, according to the Mayo Clinic study. Thirty percent (n = 57) of patients with cat bites to the hand were hospitalized. Cats teeth are sharp and pointy. Mr. Hs right-hand wounds were cleansed with antibacterial soap, betadine wash, and sterile water rinse. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27-86 years (mean age of 58 years). Wrist Tendonitis; DeQuervain's Tendonitis; Carpal Boss; Wrist Fractures; Distal Radius Fracture of the Wrist; Scaphoid Fractures of the wrist; Elbow. Cats are also the main reservoir of Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of cat scratch disease, which was confirmed in the presented patient by serological examination. Cat and dog bites. 'The wrist is packed with tendons and blood vessels, so infection can be pumped to . fever or chills. Noninfected bite wounds may require surgical debridement and prophylaxis with 50% of the dose of antibiotic used to treat infected wounds. Briefly, infected bites will often appear red and swollen. Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. The CDC says that the incubation period for rabies (time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms) can be weeks to months. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. eCollection 2022 Jan-Mar. ANZ J Surg. All patients recently treated at our institution for cat bite injuries to the hand were retrospectively reviewed. FOIA cat bite wrist tendonjameel disu biography. "It may look like a pin prick, but rule of thumb go see a doctor if a cat bites your hand," Carlsen said. Of course, if the cat's fangs go in very deep, this could be worrisome and worth a doctor's visit! 2019 Dec;53(6):341-346. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2019.1637750. Cat bites are serious! Disclaimer. Bacteria can be potentially seeded down into joints and tendon sheaths, far away from where it would be immediately noticed. (2015). Keywords: Human and other mammalian bite injuries of the hand: evaluation and management. . Terms of Use. . 2022 Mar 24;7(1):e21.00084. Cat bites and scratches: Sometimes more than just a cut. Brandon P. Donnelly, MD is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site. Cat bites need to be taken seriously and carefully evaluated by doctors, the study authors said. Of those, 57 were hospitalized; on average, they were in the hospital three days. Mr. H noted a progression of redness and swelling over the past three days, and admitted inconsistent use of the sling. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003778. Signs and symptoms warranting earlier evaluation (e.g., fever, chills, increasing edema, erythema, numbness, drainage, and pain) were discussed. The type of animal involved will determine the specific injury that occurs; cats have a weaker bite but sharper teeth, therefore cause deep puncture wounds, whilst dogs have a strong bite . Diagnosis is made clinically by physical examination and performing various provocative tests depending on the location of the injury. Tendon and tissue damage. This data suggests that a lot of cat bites come when petting or interacting with cats. Bleeding may help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into the wound. Early treatment is beneficial in decreasing the risk of infection. The family cat lunged at him and bit and scratched his hand. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days in Group A, and 9.2 days in Group B, (p < .01). Watch the area carefully to see if there are signs of damaged nerves or tendons. If the bite or scratch hasn't penetrated the skin, the chance of infection is minimal. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. QUESTIONS. How do you know if a cat bite is infected? Keywords: "Cat bites look very benign, but -- as we know and as the study shows -- they are not," Carlsen said. Another 154 were treated with oral antibiotics as outpatients, although 21 of them eventually had to be hospitalized. The site is secure. Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly is a native of Slidell, LA. Cat bite: an injury not to underestimate. Immediately wash the wound under running water. Kittens bite, mouth, and paw things to explore their worldthey're all natural behaviors. Please login or register first to view this content. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. COVID-19 Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Complications included nerve involvement, abscesses and loss of joint mobility. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.OA.21.00084. The researchers studied nearly 200 cat bite cases that occurred between 2009 and 2011. Cat bite; animal bite; infection. Though cats are soft and cuddly, they may bite or scratch when theyre spooked. Cat bites create narrow, deep puncture wounds. Nelson CA, et al. A cat bite on the hand can turn into a hospital stay, according to a new study. A doctor or nurse will wash the wound thoroughly, trim away any dead tissue, and apply antibiotic ointment. A peripherally inserted central catheter line was placed and IV ceftriaxone (Rocephin) administered. Apparently, cats have a bacteria in their saliva that aids in their digestion, which can be lethal if it gets into a human being's blood stream. This includes bites that: [8] Are on the face Clean bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water. By joining Cureus, you agree to our National Library of Medicine CSD is transmitted when a cat carrying the infection: The following animals are at the highest risk of carrying the infection: Its important to know that CSD is most common in children. reported a staggering 28-80 percent cat bite infection rate. POA Help "Present On Admission" is defined as present at the time the order for inpatient admission occurs conditions that develop during an outpatient encounter, including emergency department, observation, or outpatient surgery, are considered POA. The average of the participants was 49 years old, and 69 percent were women. Results were negative for fracture, dislocation, and lytic or blastic lesions. Cureus. The pain was markedly worse during second-digit flexion attempts or when pressure was applied. Signs and Symptoms Signs that your bite may be infected include: Swelling Redness Warmth Continued pain beyond 24 hours Drainage from the wound Signs that your infection may be spreading include: Red streaks up the arm or forearm Swollen glands around the elbow or in the armpit Fever Tiredness Night sweats Shakes Is It Bedbugs, Other Bug Bites, or a Rash? Tendon necrosis and rupture; Hand dysfunction; Amputation; Systemic infection ~75% of cases are associated with antecedent injury. Can low vitamin D increase risk of cancer? Complications were common among these patients. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 2 deep puncture wounds along the pinky by the wrist, 1 in the middle above the wrist & another with a tear by the wrist along the thumb. You may need to begin rabies treatment if the cat thats bitten you shows any rabies symptoms. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. o [teenager OR adolescent ], , MD, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. These include: An infection from a cat bite may set in within a few hours, but it can take 10 days or more for some infections, like cat-scratch disease, to start showing symptoms. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the The bites can even be so deep that they damage a victim's nerves, tendons and . Ellis R, et al. 2020 Jun 3;8(6):838. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8060838. The skin was warm and dry to touch. Can Vitamin E protect against heart disease. cat bite hand cellulitis lymphangitis hand infection. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted Medicine (Baltimore). FOIA Cat bite: An unusual cause of foot drop. BP was 120/78 mm Hg, pulse 98 beats per minute, pulse oxygenation 97%, temperature 98.8F, and weight 290 lbs. The skin usually flaps over the bite, thereby sealing off . Can antioxidants supercharge your brain power? Zoonotic disease: What can I catch from my cat? If you have some antibiotic cream such as neosporin, apply it. If the cat who bit you was not current on his rabies vaccination or was a stray with unknown vaccination status, you may need to undergo prophylactic treatment for rabies. If you have been bitten by a cat, seeyour doctor or visit anurgent care facility. Univariate and multivariate statistical regression were used to analyze the data. Because cat bites usually cover a small area, you will probably be able to cover it with an over-the-counter adhesive Band Aid. Infections occur more frequently in cat bites because cats have extremely sharp, pointed teeth that can cause deep puncture wounds. Patients with clenched fist injuries tend to wait hours or days after the wound occurs before seeking medical attention, which increases the severity of the infection. In these cases, the researchers said, the wound should be treated aggressively. They may take a culture swab to help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. Tendons And Ligaments In The Hand Are. 2006 Mar;31(3):468-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2005.12.011. Misunderstanding this risk has led to a worrying number of hospitalizations, as patients require surgery to clean wounds or remove tissue thats become infected. The main symptoms were limited and there was painful mobilisation of fingers and wrist, and swelling and redness in the area of the bite wound. Sbai MA, et al. "We don't play like we used to," Bothun said. Pain worsening significantly with motion suggests infection of a joint or tendon sheath. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. PEP isnt generally needed if the cat isnt showing signs of rabies, but the cat should be monitored for at least 10 days to be sure. Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite. ", "It can be just a pinpoint bite mark that can cause a real problem," he said, "because the bacteria get into the tendon sheath or into the joint where they can grow with relative protection from the blood and immune system.". [Polymicrobial osteomyelitis on the limb of the hand after a cat bite]. A tetanus shot was administered. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. An infection from a cat bite can lead to more serious complications if not treated right away. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of Haymarket Medias Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. 'A cat bite is much worse than a dog or rat bite. We cannot answer questions about whether your bite needs medical attention in the comments section. 8600 Rockville Pike (2018). Careers. Identifying Bug Bites and Stings, and How To Treat Them. A regular cat bite that just breaks the skin isn't really anything to worry about. But while a kitten bite may be cute, an adult cat bite can be painful. Monitor the area over the following few days for any usual symptoms or pain. It was strongly advised that the patient follow up the next day, but Mr. H declined. a tendon lesion or a purulent flexor . Practical Review of the Management of Animal Bites. You may have to try a few different chemical and nonchemical approaches to get rid of bedbugs, especially if you have a large infestation. Therapeutic III. And of course, most of us will pet stray cats we meet along the way, but not all seemingly friendly cats remain friendly after being approached by strangers. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Puncture wounds tend to heal quickly, but a very deep bite can leave a scar. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center. It has to pierce deep enough to get into the muscle where there is a good amount of blood flow. A fever is considered a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The list above outlines the symptoms of an infected bite. Before joining Pontchartrain Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, he completed a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the prestigiousPhiladelphia Hand Center. There was full range of motion in the right wrist and all other digits of the right hand. pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/39/10/490, amjmed.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-9343%2816%2930081-X, e-aps.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.5999/aps.2016.43.6.590, orbi.uliege.be/bitstream/2268/187998/1/424%20pub_thiry.pdf, wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/10/16-0115_article, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4575703/, vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/zoonotic-disease-what-can-i-catch-my-cat. The small but deep puncture wounds are. Millions of people are bitten by animals every year. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). Tenderness along the course of a tendon suggests spread to the tendon sheath. It is especially dangerous for a cat to bite the wrist or hand - all places where joints, bones and tendons are close to the surface. And while cuts. "Every time they would stitch me up after flushing the wound the infection would just get worse. Guidelines for the treatment of cat and dog bites in humans. Dr. Donnelly is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in injuries and ailments of the hand, wrist, and elbow. Give them time to calm down before approaching them. Lesions caused by human and domestic and wild animal bites. "They can be very serious. When they bite you, they are essentially injecting bacteria deep into your skins tissue. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Can taking antioxidants protect you against cancer? A 29-year-old woman with fever after a cat bite. According to a Mayo Clinic review of records for 193 cat bite victims, 36 were immediately admitted to the hospital, where they stayed an average of three days. Animal bites that dont break your skin, as well as scratches that just graze the surface of your skin, have a minimal risk of infection. Determine the severity of the bite. The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the worst places to be wounded and thats just where most people get bitten by cats. Cat-scratch disease in the United States, 20052013. Epidemiology 4th ed., Gainesville Fla.: Barmarrae Books; 2003. "Dogs' teeth are blunter, so they don't tend to penetrate as deeply and they tend to leave a larger wound after they bite," study senior author Dr. Brian Carlsen, a Mayo Clinic plastic surgeon and orthopedic hand surgeon, said in a clinic news release. Protected from the immune system, a cat bite infection can rapidly spread. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. The most common cause of human bites is a tooth-induced injury to the metacarpophalangeal joint as a result of a punch to the mouth (clenched fist injury). What is the potential risk associated with cat bites? Pasteurella multocida infections. The most common cause of human bites is a tooth-induced injury to the metacarpophalangeal joint as a result of a punch to the mouth (clenched fist injury). MeSH Dr. Philip Schwarzman answered. and transmitted securely. Treatment of hand infections using WALANT -when the anesthesiologist is not available: A retrospective cohort study. When a cat bites, it may not seem like a big deal it can be cute when theyre playing but some cat bites can pose significant health risks. Because cats have extremely sharp teeth, their bites penetrate the skin easily and cause small but deep wounds. eCollection 2021 Nov. Savu AN, Schoenbrunner AR, Politi R, Janis JE. Bothun said she waited one week after her black cat, Mr. Binks, bit her hand to go to Saint Mary's Hospital, part of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The patients involved in the study were all bitten on the hand. Clinical findings suggestive of the need for hospitalization include location of the bite over a joint or tendon sheath, erythema, pain, and swelling. Rapidly Progressive Infection of Hand After a Cat Bite. 2015 Jan;23(1):47-57. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-23-01-47. Cat bites are more frequent in the mornings, in the summer, and in spring [4]. Copyright 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) and naprosyn (Naproxen) were also prescribed for pain and inflammation. Brandon P. Donnelly, MD When To Worry The wrist or any joint in the fingers are usually the worst places to be wounded - and that's just where most people get bitten by cats. (2016). Carlsen said the lesson is that people need to be careful of cat bites and monitor them for swelling and redness. From the November 01, 2010 Issue of Clinical Advisor, Continuing Medical Education (CME/CE) Courses. Stay away from stray or feral cats. Adult cats bite out of fear, to assert dominance, or to demand attention. (2021). The infection resides in synovial or periarticular tissues and is usually bacterialin younger adults read more and osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is inflammation and destruction of bone caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. Debridement including removal of foreign material associated with open fractures and or dislocations; skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia, muscle, and bone (11012) Debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle (11043) Debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone (11044) Excisional preparation or creation of recipient site . First, be sure to clean the wound. Some states allow this quarantine to be done in the cats home, others require that it will be carried out in an approved animal control facility. HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help [Sepsis after cat bite-How medical history, physical examination and interdisciplinary cooperation influence disease progression]. He said people tend to ignore cat bites because they are so small, but they can lead to a laundry list of medical treatments. Some bites require the use of antibiotics through an intravenous (IV), while others may be treated with oral medication. Therefore, its important to get an infection from a cat bite treated. Skin infections, known as cellulitis, can occur quickly after a bite. Cat bites are about twice as likely as dog bites to get infected. Acta Chir Belg. Disclaimer. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Microorganisms. When cats do bite, the majority of the time it's a bite on the hand or the wrist. Mr. Hs medical history included hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and tobacco abuse. Unlike other animal bites, which can tear flesh and even break bones, these deeper wounds are much harder to clean. It can be caused by overuse and repetitive movements like texting, playing video games, or writing.