Bite Wounds on Cats and Dogs
...from Cats and Dogs
MetPet.com Staff Writer
Due to the differences in their physical structure
and their actions, wounds inflicted by cats and dogs have
different characteristics. Pets that are free to roam the
neighborhood can get into fights where they are subject to serious
bite wounds.
Dog bites are more common than cat bites as cats
generally use their claws when fighting. Bites from a cat or
dog that you know, is in good health and immunized are less
worrisome than those from a stranger. Superficial wounds
that are not bleeding can be gently cleaned with soap and water
and then treated with a topical antiseptic like Neosporin. For bleeding
wounds or if you suspect internal damage, contact your
veterinarian immediately.
Cat Bites
Cats, with their narrow, small and sharp teeth inflict deep, penetrating
wounds. They commonly become infected with bacteria which can be
delivered deep into the tissue. Cat bites require thorough cleaning,
antibiotics and drainage of the abscess (sack of pus). Infection
symptoms generally show up within 12-24 hours.
Cat bites generally deliver a mix of pathogens including:
Actinomyces
Bacteroides (anerobic bacteria)
Clostridium
Fusobacterium
Peptstreptcoccus
Propionibacterium
Staphylococcus
Streptococcus
Wolinella
Dog Bites
Male dogs and small dogs are the most common canine victims of dog
bites. Small dogs in particular can sustain serious damage
from multiple wounds.
Dogs bites can also penetrate deeply, tear the skin and damage the
tissues well below the skin. The lacerating action of
dog bites can shred the skin and the strong jaws can break bones.
Dog bites can also damage nerves, internal organs, tendons,
vessels and even cause death. Bites to the throat and
abdomen in particular can result in death.
A dog's jaw can typically deliver 200-400 pounds per square inch (psi)
of pressure. The damage, therefore, can be well below the
surface of the skin so all dog bites should be treated seriously.
Although there may be only bruising visible on the skin, there may
be invisible and serious internal damage. Bite wounds
require thorough inspection, cleaning, draining and treatment with
antibiotics. Symptoms of infection generally show up in 12-24
hours.
Dog bites generally deliver a mix of pathogens
including:
Bacteroides (anerobic bacteria)
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
Eiknella Corrodens
Enterobacter
Staphylococcus
Streptococcus
Klebsiella
Haemophilus
Pasteurella Multocida
Proteus
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