Causes and risk factors
Animal injury depends upon the type of injury and the health of the animal and the human being too. The most common bites are of dogs, cats, monkeys, and snakes. Snake bite is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is more commonly seen in rural areas and people who are engaged in open field works like farmers are more prone to such bites. Dog bite commonly seen in children accounts for the second most common animal bite. Usually injuries by cats are superficial ones, however, there can be deep bites as well. This injury is more commonly seen in females. Travelers are more prone to monkey bites.
Clinical presentation:
The complaints can range from mild to severe ones. The common site of affection is the upper and lower extremities. Injury to head and neck can also occur. It can be a superficial scratch or severe systemic affection can occur. Crushing and tearing of the skin is seen. Tear of the muscle, tendon, or ligament can also occur. Bleeding along with discharge of pus is seen at the site of affection. Loss of sensation is seen at the affected area. Swelling and discoloration is seen. The area of bite is warm to touch and burning sensation is felt. The symptoms can be localized or can involve various systems of the body like the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and kidney. Sweating, vomiting, twitching of muscles, numbness of the body, difficulty in swallowing, disturbed vision, increased salivation along with difficulty in breathing are the symptoms seen in severe cases. It can also cause some serious complications like rabies or anaphylactic shock characterized by difficulty in breathing, choking, and accumulation of fluids in lungs (pulmonary edema), and although rare in much severe cases, anaphylaxis can lead to death.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination is carried out by the doctor. A detailed history taken from the patient will help the doctor to evaluate the cause. Routine blood test and other investigations can be recommended by the consultant.
Treatment:
Treatment consists of washing the affected area with water and soap. Soothing ointment, local anesthetics can be applied. Ice pack application can help to reduce the swelling. Pain relieving medications and antibiotic medications are advised. Antihistamines and steroid medicines are given. Prophylactic antibiotics are given to reduce the infection. In severe cases, the patient is hospitalized and is kept under medical observation. Antivenom is administered in case of snake bite. Tetanus vaccination is given.
Other modes of Treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Facts and Figures:
As per WHO, monkey bites account for 2–21% of animal bite injuries while cat bites accounts for 2-50% of injuries. Worldwide five million people suffer from snake bites.
