Due to our constant relationship and the need to own a pet, we are being exposed to some form of injury by some animals either through biting or nail scratching.
Animal bites are common, most are caused by cats and dogs which are one of the most widely reared pets. Cat bite can look minor, but they canbe very serious because a fang puncture can leave a bacteria deep inthe wound.
The lack of standard reporting in some countries makes accurate estimates of mammalian bites incidence difficult to determine. Depon locale, the range of animals inflicting bite is wide. However most bites are from dogs. In developing countries mammalian bites especially bites by dog, cats, foxes, and raccoon,carries a high risk of rabies infection.
Types of animal bites
The location and type of injury depends upon the animal inflicting the bites.
Dog bites
Victims of dog bites often know the dog that attack them. Most dog bites occurs in children, with thehighest number seen in boys between the age of 5 to 9 years old. The hand and neck are the common site of bite in children upto age 10 years, probably because the child neck is close to the level of a large dog mouth. The arms and legs, particularly the right hand are the most frequent site of injury for lder children and adults. A dog bites can lead to a range of injuries including, scratches and deep open cuts, punctures wound, crush injuries, and tearing away of some body parts. Dog bites rarely cause deaths. Certain breed of dogs are more commonly associated with bites, German shepherd, pet bulls, and mixed breed accounts for the majority of dog bites and injuries. 
Home treatment for dog bites
- Clean the wound and apply an antibacterial ointment.
- Put a clean towel over the bite to stop the bleeding
- Apply an ointment to prevent infection
- Get injected with anti rabies or anti tetanus on time and tell every detail about the incident to your doctor
- Try and keep the wounded area inclined upwards
- Consult your doctor for proper treatment
- Ensure you take the full dose for the anti rabies
- Take some penicillin to prevent further health problems
Cat bites
Cats can cause wounds with their teeth or claws. Two third of cat bites involves the upper exterimities (arms or hands) scratches usually occurs on the upper extremities or Jaws. Deep puncture wounds are of particular concern because cats have long, slender, sharp teeth. When the hands is bitten bacteria can get into the tissue that surrounds the bone or into the joints and results in osteomyelitis (infections of the bones or septic arthritis (infections of the joints
If infections occur, it generally progress rapidly causing skin redness, swelling, and intense pain as quickly as 12 to 24 hours after the bite.
Home Treatments for cats bites
A cat bites carries a high risk of infection and can be dangerous. To care for your wound at home follow these steps.
- Wash the wound gently with soap and warm water
- Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured area to avoid further bleeding
- Apply sterile bandage to the wound
- Keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling
- Amoxicillin with clavulanates should be given for the cats bites. Incase of penicillin allergic patients or those with penicillin resistant strain,other alternatives are necessary.
Rodents bites
Rats cause the majority of rodent bites, most bites occurs at night on the face or hands in children 5 years old or younger, it can also happen to adults. Rodent bites is more common in Africa, or in an underdeveloped countries, even in dirty environment, such as, slump, IDP camps.
Treatments for rodents bites
- Wash the area with warm water and soap as soon as possible, dry with a clean towel
- Apply an antibiotics ointment
- Cover with a clean bandage
- Treat with antibiotics such as, amoxicillin, penicillin, erythromycin or doxycycline.
- Get immunised against tetanus and rabies.
Other types of bites,
The bites of most other animals, such as, squirrel, rabbits, and Guinea pig, are generally treated the same way as cat.
Cat bites carries a much higher risk of infection than dog bites. Other risks factors that increase the chance of bites turning into an infection are;
- Not thoroughly and swiftly washing the bite area
- The bites cause a deep wound
- The bite also cause a fracture or other damage
- A weakened immune system
Causes of infection from animal bites
- Infection from animal bite is caused by bacteria. The bacteria can be found inthe mouth or saliva of the animal.
- Animal bites are often polymicrobial, which means that multiple species of bacteria are involved
- Tetanus, a bacteria disease affecting the nervous system can develop from the bacteria. This is a serious condition. Puncture wound from animal bites are the most likely to lead to tetanus
Symptoms of animal bites
Your doctor should examine any animal bites, immediate medical attention may not always be possible, but you should get the bite checked by your doctor as soon as possible. Once a bite has occurred it's important to be on the look out for signs and symptoms of infection.
The following symptoms may indicate infection or the presence of debris in your wound.
- Localised redness around your wound
- Warmth around the bite area
- Red streaks leading away from the bite
- Fever
- Swelling
- Pain
- Pus, oozing out from the bite wound
Complications of animals bites
Infections is the main complications that arises from animal bite. Infected bites rarely cause serious problem, as long as they are promptly treated using antibiotics. However, if left untreated, an infection can cause serious complications including, blood poisoning (sepsis), tissue damage, swelling and stiffening of the joints.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your doctor will access your risk of infection, check for additional injuries, and attempt to minimise scaring. Examination following animal bites usually involves the following
Inspection
Wounds are thoroughly examined for debris, your wound maybe treated with a numbing agents before your doctor examined it.
X rays
Your doctor can order X Ray to check for bone fracture, an X Ray can also help them ensure there is no debris inthe wound that is not visible upon inspection. Certain types of foreign materials such as grass, and dirt are easy to overlook.
Debridement
Animal bites can result in skin tear that cannot be repaired. A process known as debridement is necessary to remove dead or infected skin and tissue that cannot be repaired. Debridement can sometimes be painful. You may need a local anaesthetic for this procedure.
Wound care
Your doctor may recommend different methods of wound care based on the injury you sustained. Wound that have been sutured should be kept clean and dry. Showering may be permitted but the injury should be dried softly to avoid damaging the suture. Wounds that are not sutured may reguired daily soaking or other treatments.
Antibiotics usually prescribed to prevent infection resulting from animal bites. The following types if bites usually warrant antibiotics treatment, cats bites, wounds that reguires debridement, heavily contaminated wounds.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed to older adults or people who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. Most bites wound canbe treated with over the counter pain medication such as, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. If your bite is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication for short term pain relief.
Prevention of animal bites
Lowering the risk of being bitten by animal is fairly easy. You can do this by using common sense and remembering the following;
- Avoid contact with unknown animals
- Never feed or attempt to catch a wild animal, such as squirrel, raccoons, and rats
- Avoid disturbing animals that are known for caring for their baby
- Never engage in an aggressive playing with animals. A family dog can accidentally bite you during a friendly game.
- Never stick your finger into an animal cage
Unless the bites is completely unprovoked or the animal is sick, most bites canbe prevented easily.
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