Health Information
Health Tip: When an Animal Bite Becomes Infected
(HealthDay News) -- When Fido or Fluffy bite someone, it poses risks of nerve and tendon damage and, more often, infection. The chances of infection from a cat bite is much higher than that of a dog bite, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes.
If you are bitten by a pet or a wild animal, the academy suggests you seek prompt medical treatment for these potential warning signs of infection:
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Warmth or swelling near the wound.
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Long-lasting pain.
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Pus on or near the wound.
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Reddening of the skin.
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Loss of feeling.
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Inability to straighten or bend a finger or toe.
