Domestic animal bites to the hand are surprisingly common. It is estimated that almost five million domestic animal bites take place in the United States each year. Dogs, cats, ferrets, snakes and birds are the most common household pets and the source of these injuries. Prompt treatment is extremely important to lessen the damage associated with these injuries.
Dogs: Man’s best friend is not always so friendly. Dog bites represent 80 to 90 percent of all domestic animal bites. More than half of all dog bites are located in the hand and forearm. Although the infection rate from dog bites is low a dog’s jaws are very strong and can cause injury by crushing thus causing significant soft tissue damage.
Cats: Cats have the most potent bites as they have razor sharp teeth that create fine puncture wounds that heal quickly but trap in bacteria. These bites often affect small joints and tendons of the hand. Initially, a bite from cat may appear okay, but many end up requiring medical attention and sometimes even admission to the hospital.
Ferrets: Ferrets are the third most common household pet in the United States. As a close cousin of the weasel, the domestic ferret has increased in popularity with about seven to 10 million households owning them as pets. Ferret teeth are small and sharp like a cat, but they unleash a rapid fire series of bites. It’s not uncommon to have to pry a ferret from the victim.
Snakes: Snakes are also common household pets with about 50,000 bites reported every year. Of these bites, about 7,000 are from venomous snakes like the king cobra which are illegal to keep as pets. In the case of a bite from a venomous snake, call 911immediately. The most common snakes kept as pets include pythons and boa constrictors as well as the smaller corn and gopher snakes. Although these snakes are not poisonous, they can have a painful bite. With a larger snake, do not hit or further antagonize the snake because it will only clamp on tighter. A snake’s teeth curve toward the back of the mouth, so the snake’s head will need to be moved forward to get the reptile to let go.
Birds: About 6.4 million households own at least one bird with the majority being parrots, cockatiels and parakeets. A bite from a parrot can resemble a cat’s tooth and results in similar damage. Parrots are known more to nip than to actually bite. If the bite wound is very large or deep or bleeding profusely, it is best to seek professional medical treatment immediately.
Treatment and First Aid: Bites from any of the above animals that break the skin can cause a variety of bacterial or viral deep-tissue infections—especially those from cats. It is important to care for the wound quickly. Bites to the hand are particularly concerning because there is a higher risk of infection. If there is minor bleeding and the skin is barely broken:
● Wash your hands before and after treating the wound
● Wash the area with mild soap and water to reduce the risk of infection and pat dry
● Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage or sterile dressing
● Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cold compress
Call your doctor or seek emergency treatment if you think the bite has caused damage to other important structures in the hand such as the bone or nerves. Some of the signs include:
● Bleeding that is difficult to control
● Pale or numb finger(s)
● Swelling or bruising
● Deformity
● Loss of finger motion
R. Damani Howell, MD, is a member of the medical staff of the Bristol Hospital Multi-Specialty Group and Bristol Hospital’s Center for Orthopedic and Spine Health. Dr. Howell is a general orthopedic surgeon who specializes in trauma/hand/fracture care. Starting this week, Dr. Howell also will be seeing patients on a weekly basis at the Bristol Hospital Multi-Specialty Group New Britain office which is located at 35 Pearl St. For an appointment with Dr. Howell, please call 1-833-4BHDOCS or visit bristolhospital.org