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Human and Animal BitesBites, whether they originate from animals or humans, require IMMEDIATE medical treatment. Since the considerations associated with these two types of bites are different, they will be discussed separately. HUMAN BITES: It has been said that the human bite is among the worst. Tissue damage is not seen to the extent that one would see in a dog bite, due to differences in the types of teeth. This fact is more than compensated for when it comes to relative risk of secondary bacterial infection. The human mouth is replete with a wide variety of microorganisms, many of which are capable of causing serious, and difficult to treat infections. Bites to the hand will be more serious due to the opportunity for invasive infections, which often require surgical drainage procedures. Common sites for human bites include: penis, scrotum, vulva, breasts, hands, ear, nose, and forearm.Treatment includes meticulous cleaning with an antibacterial soap and immediate examination by a doctor. The wound will be irrigated with sterile saline solution (water). X-rays may be needed to rule out retained foreign matter, or a bone fracture. The wound will be examined for nerve and vascular integrity. Antibiotics are given to reduce the risk of infection. Tetanus vaccination must be up to date within 5 years. Rabies is not a consideration in human bites. Pay close attention for SIGNS OF INFECTION: increasing pain at the site, increased swelling, discharge from the wound, fever, or red streaks spreading from the site. ANIMAL BITES: The majority of animal bites are made up of dog and cat bites. DOG BITES are the most common animal bites. Aggressive cleansing with an antibacterial soap and meticulous removal of debris is crucial. Animal bites will tend to cause more tissue destruction than human bites. Deeper penetration is common, with associated bone fracture, joint space penetration, or tendon laceration. X-rays are helpful in identifying bone fracture, or retained foreign material in the wound. All these problems have an increased risk of serious infection and will require specific management. Surgical closure will be necessary for larger lacerations, and to improve cosmetic outcome of facial bites. Smaller, nonfacial lacerations may be left open to drain and heal with appropriate wound care. Preventative oral antibiotics are often prescribed. CAT BITES are particularly worrisome because their teeth are long and sharp, causing deep puncture wounds. Bacteria in the cat's mouth can be carried far into the wound. These punctures are difficult to clean and the risk of secondary infection remains high. An effective treatment is soapy warm soaks (dilute dish soap) several times a day for 20 to 30 minutes. This will passively remove debris from the wound and keep it clean. Watch for SIGNS OF RABIES is a consideration in pets without an adequate vaccination history. outinely, if the pet can be quarantined by the appropriate authorities, rabies may be safely excluded without the need for preventative "rabies shots" (5 injections over 28 days). Animals prone to rabies. decreasing risk, are: 1. SKUNKS 2. BATS 3. RACCOONS 4. CATTLE 5. FOXES 6. DOGS 7. CATS Rabies have also been reported in swine, horses, mules, sheep, goats, bobcats, wolves, weasels, possum, otter and mink. Rabies is extremely RARE in rodents and squirrels.
|  Hip Dislocation Hip Fracture Insect Stings and Spider Bites Human and Animal Bites Shoulder Injury Fracture Toxic Inhalations and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Facial Injury Jaw Fracture and Dislocation Kidney Injury Knee Injury General Considerations Knee Injury Contusion Knee Injury Fracture Knee Injury Sprain Stab Wounds Leg Injury Fractures and Contusions Leg Injury Shin Splints Lightning Injury Oral and Tongue Injuries Nasal Fracture or Contusion Neck Injury General Considerations Neck Injury Fracture Neck Injury Spinal Cord Injury Pelvic Bone Fracture Puncture Wounds Chest Injury Rib Fracture Back Injury Sacrococcygeal Injury Scorpion Bites Abrasion Injuries Shoulder Injury Clavicle Fracture Shoulder Injury Strains and Sprains Snakebite Neck Injury Spinal Cord Injury Abdominal Injury Ruptured Spleen Foot Injury Toe Fracture and Sprain Vaginal or Vulvar Injury Drowning and Near Drowning |
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