Health Tip: When an Animal Bite Becomes Infected: MedlinePlus

Health Tip: When an Animal Bite Becomes Infected: MedlinePlus

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Health Tip: When an Animal Bite Becomes Infected

Experts say you should seek medical attention right away

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_132043.html

(*this news item will not be available after 03/07/2013)

By Diana Kohnle

Friday, December 7, 2012

Related MedlinePlus Page

• Animal Bites

(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:

• Warmth or swelling near the wound.
• Long-lasting pain.
• Pus on or near the wound.
• Reddening of the skin.
• Loss of feeling.
• Inability to straighten or bend a finger or toe.

HealthDay

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