| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | This injury occurs when flesh is caught between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw of an animal. It may be a break in the skin or a contusion. |
| Alternative Names | Bites - animals |
| Considerations | Puncture wounds , which are common with animal and human bites , present a high risk of infection. Rabies is a rare, but potentially fatal, disease transmitted by the saliva of a rabid animal (such as a bat, skunk, raccoon, or fox). There are only two ways to tell whether or not an animal is rabid: by capturing the animal and placing it under observation for 10 days, or by killing it and having its brain examined for signs of the disease. Don't go near an animal that may be rabid. Notify the proper authorities. There is no cure for rabies once symptoms develop, but if vaccinated promptly after being exposed to the disease, the victim can develop immunity before symptoms develop. If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, you must get vaccinated immediately. While transmission of rabies to a human is extremely rare, special considerations should be given to potential exposure to bats. Some health care providers believe that any potential contact with a bat, even simply seeing a bat in your house, mandates a rabies vaccination. Some studies have shown that in the few cases of a human contracting rabies from a bat, many of the victims were not even aware they had been bitten by a bat. If you see a bat in your house or a bat touches you in any way, you should contact a health care provider immediately for advice. Many animal bites, even if rabies vaccination or stitches are not required, should be treated with antibiotics. Animal bites to the hand or fingers especially warrant treatment with antibiotics. If you have any doubt about the need for treatment, seek medical care. |
| Causes | Pets are the most common cause of bites, with dog bites occurring most often. Cat bites are considered more serious due to the higher incidence of infection (due to longer, sharper teeth which can produce deeper puncture wounds). Stray animals and wild animals, such as skunks, raccoons, and bats, also inflict thousands of bites each year. If bitten by a wild animal or by an unknown pet, try to keep it in view while you notify animal control authorities for help in capturing it. They will determine if the animal needs to be impounded and checked for rabies . Any animal for which the rabies vaccination status is unknown should be captured and quarantined. |
| Symptoms | Superficial skin break with or without bleeding , puncture-type wound , major lacerations, crushing injuries, or bruising. |
| First Aid | 1. Calm and reassure the victim. Put on latex gloves or wash hands thoroughly before attending the wound . Wash hands afterwards as well. 2. If the bite is not bleeding severely, wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, cover the bite with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing. 3. If the bite is actively bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevating the affected area is also recommended. 4. If the bite is on the hand or fingers, call the doctor right away. 5. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, observe the bite for signs of infection (increasing skin redness , swelling , and pain). 6. If the bite becomes infected, call the doctor or take the victim to an emergency facility. Certain diseases can also be transmitted through bites. Symptoms of these may include: flu-like symptoms, headache , and fever . |
| Do Not | If an animal's behavior is strange, such as a raccoon being active during daylight hours, or if an animal is unusually aggressive, it may be rabid. Notify the proper authorities. The police can always direct you to the proper animal control authorities. Tell them what the animal looks like and where it is so they can capture it -- don't go near it or attempt contact. |
| Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if | The victim has been seriously wounded. The victim was bitten by an unknown or wild animal. The victim has not had a tetanus shot within the past 5 years (if the victim has not had a tetanus shot in 5 years, a tetanus shot is recommended within 24 hours of any skin break). After the bite (or after any medical care is received) there is swelling , redness, pus draining from the wound , or pain. The wound may need stitches. Note: Report the bite to the local animal control authorities, even if medical care is not obtained. |
| Prevention | Teach children not to approach strange animals. Do not provoke or tease animals. Report animal bites to animal control authorities so measures can be taken to test animals and prevent further incidents. |
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