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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Sore Hand With Puncture At The Area Of Cat Bite A Cause For Concern?

I was brushing my cat last evening and pulled out a knot and he bit down on my hand. It hurt and today the area around the puncture is red and somewhat swollen. It is sore when I move my hand. Should I go to have a doctor check it. Do I need antibiotics/
Fri, 24 Jul 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Cat bite can cause cellulitis that is infection of skin and soft tissue in approx 20% of cases. Usually infection is due to streptococcus and staphylococcus. Unlike other animal bites cat bites are difficult to debride and disinfect. Antibiotics are needed and if required debridement is done. Also there is a disease specific with cats bite or scratch caused by a bacteria of Bartonella species called as "cat scratch disease" where the patient has fever and swelling of lymph nodes. The disease is self limiting but may require antibiotics. Please consult your physician so that the wound can be examined and the treatment can be decided as to whether you'll be needing antibiotics or not or wound debridement to be done or not.
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Is Sore Hand With Puncture At The Area Of Cat Bite A Cause For Concern?

Cat bite can cause cellulitis that is infection of skin and soft tissue in approx 20% of cases. Usually infection is due to streptococcus and staphylococcus. Unlike other animal bites cat bites are difficult to debride and disinfect. Antibiotics are needed and if required debridement is done. Also there is a disease specific with cats bite or scratch caused by a bacteria of Bartonella species called as cat scratch disease where the patient has fever and swelling of lymph nodes. The disease is self limiting but may require antibiotics. Please consult your physician so that the wound can be examined and the treatment can be decided as to whether you ll be needing antibiotics or not or wound debridement to be done or not.