Animal Bites
Alternate Names : Bites - Animals
DefinitionAn animal bite can result in a break in the skin, a bruise, or a puncture wound.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview & Considerations
If the bite is a puncture wound, it has a greater chance of becoming infected.
Rabies is a rare, but potentially fatal, disease transmitted by the saliva of a rabid animal (such as a bat, skunk, raccoon, or fox). DON'T go near an animal that may be rabid. If you believe an animal may be rabid, notify the proper authorities. Examples of animals that may have rabies include a raccoon who is active during the day, a stray pet, an animal that is acting strangely, or one for whom the biting was unprovoked.
There is no cure for rabies once symptoms develop, but if vaccinated promptly after being bitten, you 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, be particularly cautious with bats. Some doctors believe that any potential contact with a bat, even simply seeing a bat in your house, requires a rabies vaccination.
Studies have shown that in cases where a person contracted 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 antibiotics. If you have any doubt about the need for treatment, seek medical care.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
