Bite Injuries – Animal Bites

The hand consists of numerous bones that provide structure to the wrist and fingers, connected by strong ligaments. Tendons are robust fibers linking muscles to bones, facilitating movement. Additionally, the hand houses nerves, blood vessels, and fat, while the skin acts as a protective barrier against environmental threats.

Animal bites predominantly affect the hand, leading to skin lacerations, puncture wounds, and potential damage to bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These bites can also harm blood vessels and nerves, and they carry the risk of various infections, including rabies, which can be transmitted from an animal’s mouth to the hand.

Dog bites, often resulting in crushing injuries due to their rounded teeth and strong jaws, are the most common. In contrast, cats have sharp, pointed teeth, leading to more puncture wounds than dogs.

Infections are a significant concern with animal bites, usually stemming from a combination of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens. While most pets in the U.S. are vaccinated against rabies, cases frequently arise from wild animals such as skunks, bats, or raccoons.

Pets are the leading cause of animal bites, with dog bites being the most frequent, followed by cat bites. Stray and wild animals, including skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, rodents, reptiles, and farm animals, may also bite if they feel threatened or are provoked.

If bitten, it is essential to keep the animal in sight and contact local animal control experts for assistance. They can quarantine the animal for rabies testing and verify the rabies vaccination status of stray pets.

An animal bite can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving fingers or wrists, particularly if there is damage to bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. You may experience loss of sensation or tingling in your fingers.

Inspect your hand for puncture wounds and bleeding. Signs of infection include warmth, redness, pain, tenderness, and possible pus drainage from an abscess. Infections may also lead to fever, chills, or sweats.

Contact your doctor if you or your child experiences an animal bite. Clean the wound with soap and water, except in cases of active bleeding. If bleeding occurs, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth and elevate your hand above heart level. Seek immediate medical attention for significant bleeding.

Inform your doctor about the type of animal that bit you and how the injury occurred. Your doctor will examine your hand and arm, and may order an X-ray if structural damage is suspected.

Your doctor will carefully clean the wound and remove any foreign materials. A blood test may be necessary to check for infections, and you might require a tetanus shot and antibiotics to prevent infection.

If rabies is suspected, you will receive a series of vaccinations, which are highly effective if administered early. Given the severe consequences of rabies, it is crucial to contact your doctor immediately after an animal bite.

Animal bites that penetrate the skin necessitate thorough cleaning. To prevent infection, these wounds are typically left open rather than stitched. If an infection develops, you may receive antibiotics, either in oral form, as an ointment, or intravenously. Your wound will be loosely bandaged, and your doctor will provide specific home care instructions. It is essential to attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring.

Surgery may be required if there is injury to bones, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves, or if an abscess forms. The specific type of surgery depends on the nature and severity of the injury. After surgery, you will likely undergo hand therapy rehabilitation, aiming to restore your hand's structure and function to its pre-injury state.

Recovery from animal bites varies based on the severity of the injury or infection and the treatment received. Your doctor will provide guidance on what to expect. Attend all doctor and hand therapy appointments to optimize your recovery.