Puncture and Bite Wounds

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Objects that pierce the skin leaving small hole(s) on the surface of the skin are considered puncture/bite wounds.  When this occurs bacteria is entering the wound and can cause infection at a rapid rate.  Cat bite wounds tend to be small puncture wounds that become infected very quickly.  Dog bites can be large punctures involving deep layers of skin and muscle, or they can also appear as gashes usually around the neck or ear of an animal.  Puncture/bite wounds can be very painful especially if the animal was picked up by the teeth of another animal and shaken.  Bite wounds on dogs are easily disguised by their fur and they can develop into an abscess if they are not noticed right away by the owner.   

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Foreign objects such has teeth, nails, or broken branches and sticks are all common sources that cause puncture or bite wounds.  Any kind of puncture or bite wound has a very probable chance of developing into an abscess.  Cat fight wounds will develop into an abscess within the first 48 hours after the injury has occurred.  When the skin is pierced, bacteria is left trapped in the puncture holes, and the body immediately reacts and begins to “wall off” the area thus forming an abscess.  It is especially important to get you pet to a veterinarian as soon as you discover a puncture wound.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Small holes will appear at wound site as well as bruising.
• Bleeding from areas of puncture.
• Pain associated with wounded area.
• Redness and swelling may also be present at site of puncture/bite wounds.         

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam.  Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

• Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose most wounds by sight on a physical exam.
  
  
• Radiographs (X-rays)-your veterinarian may want to rule out any internal bleeding or fractures that may have occurred during the injury process.  They will also want to evaluate the depth of the wound, and rule out the possibility of foreign objects left in the wound.
  
  
• Ultrasound- Again this is a diagnostic tool used to rule out any internal injuries as a result of the injury process.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

The first two objectives in wound treatment are:

• Stopping the bleeding
• Preventing infection
  
  

There are a few guidelines that are generally followed in wound treatment:

1. Preparation of the skin for wound treatment.
2. Cleaning and debridement of the wound.
3. Irrigation of the wound if needed before closure or bandage.
4. Wound Closure
5. Bandaging
   
   

*These steps are followed after the patient has been stabilized if shock has set in, or after the patient has been sedated to provide pain management during the treatment process.

Your veterinarian or veterinarian technician will most likely do the following:

Puncture/Bite Wounds

1. Your veterinarian or veterinarian technician will clean and clip the area and may make the puncture wounds a bit larger in size to ensure that bacteria does not get trapped inside and cause an abscess to form. 
   
   
2. The puncture holes are then irrigated vigorously with an antiseptic solution and left open to heal from inside out. 
   
   
3. It is common to take a sample of the fluid inside the puncture wounds and send it off to do a culture/sensitivity test-the results of this test will help in determining the best antibiotics to use to treat or prevent infection.
   
   
4. Oral antibiotics and oral pain medication will most likely be prescribed to assist in the healing process.
   
   

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Wounds are painful, be CAUTIOUS when treating your pet with a wound.  It is advisable to use a muzzle and get someone to help restrain your pet so you don’t get bit! If the wound is severe, contact your vet immediately.

Remember the two objectives of wound treatment!

Stop the bleeding

• Apply pressure directly to the wound.  Use something that is absorbent and clean. Gauze pads, wash cloths, towels, sanitary napkins work great.
  
  
• Apply pressure for 5-10 minutes then secure in place with an ace bandage or a sock will hold for a short amount of time.
  
  
• Check the area around the bandage for swelling, if swelling appears, you need to loosen the bandage or remove it all together.
  
  
• Transport your pet to the closest animal hospital for treatment
  
  

• Removing the dead tissue and foreign material in and around the wound is known as debriding. This reduces bacterial contamination. This should be done by your veterinarian.
  
  
• Irrigation with a constant stream of water will help wash away contaminants. This is usually done by your veterinarian.
  
  
• Deep wounds where the risk of infection is high may be left open to drain. Others may be closed using stitches, staples, or surgical glue.
  
  
• Keeping your pet from scratching or excessively licking the wound will help prevent infection.
  
  
• Your veterinarian may put your pet on preventative antibiotics before the signs of infection show.
  

PetsMD Recommends:
First Aid Kits for Dogs	First Aid Kit for Cats	Cat First Aid by the American Red Cross