ASK THE VET

By Anne Sinclair, DVM, Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practicioners (Certified in Feline Practice)

A:  While people usually think that cat bites are less serious than dog bites, the opposite is true.  The potential for severe infection is much higher for cat bites than for dog bites, mainly due to the normal bacteria that are in a cat's mouth.  The infection rate for cat bites is somewhere between 30% and 50%.  Bites to the hand are more likely to become infected than bite wounds elsewhere on the body.  Two of the most common bacteria in the cat's mouth are Pasteurella multocida and Capnocytophaga canimorsus and they not only cause a local a local infection but are more likely to cause systemic illnesses.  They can cause osteomylelitis (infection of the bone), meningitis, endocarditis (infection of the heart valves), osteoarthritis, septic arthritis and septic shock.  Cat's can also transmit tetanus, rabies and tularemia.  I personally have known one person who lost the use of her hand due to cat bite and several people who have lost the use of a finger due to an infection in the joint.  This is why I recommend an immediate visit to the doctor for a person that has been bitten by a cat where the skin has been broken.  Usually antibiotics are prescribed to lessen the chances of an infection, but even with appropriate oral antibiotic therapy some people may still develop infections that require hospitalization, IV antibiotics and possibly even surgery.  Due to the public health risk of rabies, a physician is legally required to report a cat bite to the health department and a police report is usually taken.

ANIMAL BITE DANGERS!

While the dangers presented by dog versus cat bites are very different, each is quite serious.

Bites to the hand are some of the most common and potentially dangerous of all bites. Apart from the numerous bones, joints and tendons that can be damaged, there is less blood circulation in the hand, making it difficult for the body to fight infection there.

Bite injuries from dogs usually involve crushing and tearing. Large dogs can exert 450 pounds of pressure per square inch! Cats are more likely to cause puncture wounds. The danger from a puncture wound is that bacteria is introduced deep into the tissue. The wound is difficult to clean thoroughly, so bacteria is left in the wound. Also, most cat bites occur to the hand, making infections more likely.

Without proper treatment, less than 20% of dog bites become infected, but up to 80% of cat bites do!

Cat and dog mouths are filled with bacteria - up to 130 disease-causing microbes have been isolated. The most common is Pasteurella. Most dogs and cats naturally carry this bacteria in their mouths. When the bacteria is transferred through a bite, the first signs of infection can occur in as short a time as two hours. These signs can include pain, swelling and reddening of the area. Immediate medical attention should be sought. Bites to the hand need special attention, as permanent damage can occur.

If you are bitten, you should be seen by a medical professional immediately. The would will be cleaned and oral antibiotics may be prescribed. You may also need a tetanus booster. Waiting until the infection has set in can lead to more serious complications. Of course, if you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, the animal should be quarantined if possible or you may need to begin an anti-rabies treatment as well.

Animal bites should always be taken seriously. Not doing so could result in permanent injury.

(Information courtesy of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine)