Pets they have certain microorganisms so that nothing is done to them; but if bitten or scratched, they can cause infection. We see a good example of this in cats. In fact, there is even such a disease as cat scratch. This is actually a very rare occurrence as the most normal thing is that this type of injury does not cause any infection. People who live with cats know this well. Most of them have quite a few scratches on their bodies and have never had to regret anything. However, in some cases treatment is necessary. The case about cat bites different and also from dogs. But is one case more dangerous than the other?
Before answering this question, it is important to clarify something. This article is not a demonization of dogs or cats. Both loving and faithful pets (Even though cats sometimes seem like they only want to dominate the world, they love us too). It all depends on our human tastes and which pet we get along with best. If they can cause us harm, it is usually unintentional and the likelihood of the injury becoming serious is very small. In our daily life we may suffer from many wounds susceptible to infection And this does not mean that we stop acting in a certain way. However, it is true that it is important to know a little more about cat or dog bites so that you can act accordingly if necessary.
And for this, without any desire to force both animals to compete, it does not hurt to find out which of them are more susceptible to infection. This way we can act accordingly.
Which of them gets more infected?
In reality, wound infection depends on many factors, from how quickly we wash it off and treat it, to where it happens. But in the case of dog and cat bites, it has also been studied whether the animal itself is one of these factors.
For example, in 2006, a group of scientists from Chilean Society of Infectology published an article about the likelihood of infection from bites of cats, dogs and other domestic animals. Thus, when comparing cases reported in their country, they confirmed that the incidence of infections from cat bites 50%which is approximately twice that of dogs.
It should be noted that this is the percentage of infections from cat or dog bites that are treated in medical centers. There will be many other injuries that are treated right at home without going to the doctor, so the percentage will likely be Much lower.
However, it is true that cats have bacteria such as Pasteurella multicida, is also present in dogs and can often cause infections in humans. There is another one called Bartonella Henselaewhich is primarily associated with cat scratch disease, although it can also be contracted from bites.
As for scratches, the vast majority of them, although they cause infection, They heal without the need for treatment. In fact, there are studies that compare the time to resolution of infection when treated with antibiotics. with azithromycin or placebo and you don’t see any difference. However, cat bites can lead to more serious infections, so they are often prescribed. amoxicillin with clavulanate as a preventive measure.
Why do cat bites cause more infections?
There are two main reasons why cat bites cause more infections than dog bites. Firstly, because there is a high probability of transmitting enough bacteria in one bite. Actually bacteria P. multicidaalthough present in both animals, it is found in 25-50% dogsBefore 70-90% of cats.
Except, Cats’ teeth are long, thin and sharp, so they act like small needles that can penetrate much deeper into the skin. This leads to increased infection.
In any case, we have already seen that it can be easily solved using antibiotic and what is very strange is that it has gravity. It is not advisable for a person with a weakened immune system to have pets. But someone in good health can have them without problems. The benefits of living with one of these furry friends far outweigh the risks.
Still, it’s nice to know them. Therefore, if you have animals at home, do not disturb them or encourage them to bite, and if the bite occurs during play, rinse, apply antiseptic and consult a doctor. This is the only prevention that should be taken into account. Otherwise, enjoy your pet.
Source: Hiper Textual
