Protocolo diagnóstico y terapéutico del tratamiento de las mordeduras de animales y de seres humanos

Bites given by animals and humans are a not uncommon reason for medical consultation. Bites from cats and from humans have greater risk of infection, as do those which are extensive or profound, those affecting the face and hands, those near to joints and those with delayed medical attention or in immunodepressed patients. The microorganisms responsible are those common to the oral bacterial flora of animals. Initial treatment implies careful assessment of damages and risk of infection, wound cleaning and raising of the affected limb. In cases where there is risk of infection, a short course of prophylactic antibiotics should be considered. Short-term reassessment of the wound is also important. In cases of associated infection, wound cleaning must be encouraged, together with the removal of necrotic tissue and foreign bodies and a longer course of antibiotics should be administered.