There are over 60 types of dog bite infections, including pasteurellosis, streptococcal, staphylococcal, and capnocytophage infections, as well as rabies. Immediate medical attention is necessary for treatment, and proper care can prevent further medical problems.
There are over 60 varieties of dog bite infection, some more serious than others. The most common are pasteurellosis infection, streptococcal infection, staphylococcal infection, and capnocytophage infection. While these infections are all bacterial, the viral infection known as rabies can be transmitted to a human via a dog bite.
Pasteurellosis infection is caused by the pasteurellosis bacteria that occur naturally in a dog’s mouth. It is the most common infection that occurs in dog bite victims and can become serious if not treated right away. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of the attack and can include severe pain in the area of the wound, swelling and redness. This infection spreads quickly and can cause permanent damage, especially if the bite is near muscles or tendons, particularly on the hand. Immediate medical attention and antibiotics are needed.
Streptococcal infection, the bacteria that commonly cause strep throat in humans, can also be caused by a dog bite. Symptoms of this dog bite infection include pain, swelling and redness and are usually present within 24 hours. It is typically treated with penicillin or other antibiotics; it can cause septicemia, an infection of the blood, if left untreated.
Staph infection, also known as staph infection, can cause several skin problems and health problems if left untreated. While this infection is not as common as pasteurellosis infection, it does occur in nearly 20 percent of all dog bite victims. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and pain on and around the bite site, and can cause permanent skin and tissue damage if left untreated.
Capnocytophaga infection is one of the most dangerous types of dog bite infection, although it is typically rare. It can cause small red spots to appear on the skin, as well as nausea, headaches, and body aches. This bacterial infection almost always infects the blood; it can be fatal for those without a spleen and for those with other immune deficiencies. It can also spread to the heart and infect the valves. This type of infection is fatal in 33% of dog bite victims.
Rabies is a deadly viral infection that attacks the central nervous system. This condition is only treatable before the infection actually takes hold. If bitten by a rabid dog, immediate medical attention is required. A first shot is usually given to stop the infection from developing, and six more injections are given over 28 days to ensure the virus leaves the body. If left untreated, symptoms include paralysis, hallucinations, coma, seizures, and heart failure.
A dog bite should always be cleaned and disinfected immediately; should be treated by a doctor if anger is a problem or other unusual symptoms occur. In the case of young children, over the age of 50 or with immune deficiencies, bites should always be checked by a doctor as quickly as possible. Proper care and medical attention can help ensure that a dog bite infection doesn’t spread and cause other medical problems.
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