Animal bites are a relatively common hand injury and can result in open wounds, puncture wounds, crush injuries, or a combination of these injuries.
Any animal bite that breaks the skin causing an open wound carries a risk of infection. This is concerning when the hand is involved, as infection can spread into the tendons, joints, bones, and other deeper structures.
Is this an emergency?
No, however urgent assessment is recommended if there is a significant injury, swelling, bleeding or deformity from an animal bite.
Please contact 1300HANDOC to discuss your recommended treatment options.
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling
- Bleeding / open wound
- Puncture marks, bruising, tearing, or crushing of the skin and underlying tissues
- Redness / warmth around the wound
- Difficulty moving the affected finger or hand
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Discharge or pus from the wound
- Fever or feeling generally unwell if an infection develops
- Cats, Dogs and pet animals
- Animals
- History including mechanism of injury
- Clinical Examination
- Xray (if required)
Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the animal bite, as well as any damage to the underlying structures of the hand.
Animal bites generally require thorough wound cleaning and irrigation. In some cases, particularly where there is a significant risk of infection or deeper tissue involvement, multiple surgical washouts may be required to ensure the wound is adequately cleared and to reduce the risk of infection spreading into the deeper structures of the hand.
Please contact 1300HANDOC to discuss the treatment recommendations based on the injury.
1300 426 362