Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
BITES,
ANIMAL
About Your
Diagnosis
An animal bite is worrisome because of concerns
about infection in the bite wound itself and the possibility of rabies
transmission. All animals have germs in their mouths that can cause infection.
The animal involved and the location of the bite are important considerations.
Bites on the hands, forearms, lower legs, feet, and face are more likely to
become infected. The bites of cats are potentially troublesome. Rabies can be
transmitted by many mammals. The bites of bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks are
considered high-risk bites for rabies. The bites of well-appearing domestic
animals such as dogs, cats, and farm livestock are low-risk bites for rabies
transmission, but your physician or health department should be notified at
once. Rodents (including rats) and rabbits do not carry
rabies.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
With proper care, most animal
bites do not become infected. Signs of infection include fever, redness and
streaking at the bite site, drainage from the wound, pain, and swelling. If
bitten on the hand, forearm, leg, or foot, pain with hand or foot movement is
also a sign of spreading infection. Rabies is a very serious and often fatal
illness. If there is any question or concern about the possibility of rabies in
the biting animal, rabies treatment should be started. If safely possible, the
biting animal should be captured and quarantined for 10 days.
Treatment
The
bite wound should immediately be cleaned with soap and water. Clean water should
be allowed to run through the wound (such as under a household faucet). A
physician or trained nurse should evaluate the wound promptly. Sutures may be
required. The wound should be treated with antibacterial ointment with each
bandage change. A dry bandage should be placed and changed when soiled,
moistened, or at least once a day. Any sign of infection calls for prompt
medical evaluation. You should receive a tetanus shot if more than 5 years has
passed since your last shot.
The
DOs
• Immediately clean the bite
with soap and water.
• Seek medical
evaluation promptly.
• Be concerned
about rabies if the animal was a fox, bat, skunk, raccoon, opossum, or
ill-appearing animal.
• Seek medical
care at once if you have had your spleen
removed.
• Notify your doctor if more
than 5 years has passed since your last tetanus
shot.
• Clean the wound every day and
apply a clean bandage.
• Seek medical
care promptly if signs of infection
occur.
• Notify your state or local
health department.
• Capture the
biting animal if safely
possible.
The
DON’Ts
• Don’t ignore
seemingly minor wounds, particularly on the hands and
face.
• Don’t ignore signs of
infection or fever.
• Don’t
attempt to capture an irritable or agitated
animal.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• For evaluation of all
bites.
• For signs of
infection.
• If there is any question
of your need for a tetanus shot.