Dog or Cat bites Flashcards
What % of dog bites become infected vs. cat bites
only 5% of dog bites become infected as opposed to 80% of cat bites.
What are the most frequent pathogens implicated in cat and dog bites?
Pasteurella spp. are the most frequent pathogens isolated in both types of animal bites (50% Pasteurella canis in dogs and 75% Pasteurella multocida in cats)
However, infections are often polymicrobial so staph and strep species can also be involved.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections (only in dogs) pose a significant risk for septic, asplenic or immunocompromised patients.
Bartonella (cat-scratch disease) is a problem with cats (obviously). Both animals can also cause tetanus so immunizations should be up to date.
Which bacteria that is only present in dog bites can pos a significant risk for septic, asplenic or immunocompromised patients?
Capnocytophaga canimorsus infections
What is the first aid for bite infection?
Should we irrigate puncture wounds?
Should hand wounds be closed?
What about wounds that are infected?
When is closure of wounds not recommended in terms of time lapsed since wound?
Animal bite wounds are considered extremely contaminated; therefore, proper wound treatment is needed to prevent secondary infection.
Sterile water or saline irrigation, as well as the wound washed vigorously with soap or povidone–iodine is needed in order to reduce the bacterial count in the wound.
Do not irrigate puncture wounds.
Wound closure may be necessary in wounds on the face and neck.
Wounds in the hand should be left open.
Wounds that look infected should not be closed.
Closure is not recommended in high-risk wounds if >8 to 12 h have elapsed from the time of the injury
When should preemptive early antimicrobial therapy be used?
Preemptive early antimicrobial therapy (i.e. there may not be evidence of infection) for 3–5 days is recommended for patients who, are immunocompromised, without a spleen, have advanced liver dysfunction, have preexisting or resultant edema of the affected area, injuries that are moderate to severe in particular to the hand or face, diabetics or have injuries that may have penetrated the periosteum or joint capsule.
All cat bites are considered high risk for infection because they tend to cause deep puncture wounds and should be treated preemptively. If an animal bite is infected, treatment should be considered immediately.
What is the drug of choice for both cats and dogs bites that are infected??
The drug of choice for both cats and dogs is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (standard dose).
Treatment is usually 7-10 days and PO but may go longer and be IV if the bite is significant in nature and it extends deep into the tissue/bone.
What are alternatives for infected dog and cat bites for kids and adults?
DOGS: clindamycin + TMP/SMX (pediatrics) and clindamycin + fluoroquinolone (adults).
Cats: Alternatives for cat bites, both pediatrics and adults are cefuroxime or doxycycline (not for children less than 8).
How long is treatment for cat and dog bite infections?
Treatment is usually 7-10 days and PO but may go longer and be IV if the bite is significant in nature and it extends deep into the tissue/bone.
