MANUAL MINORS
Contact with wild animals can lead to a range of injuries, from bites and scratches to serious infections. Wild animals can transmit zoonotic diseases such as rabies, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and Q fever.
The injuries can range from simple superficial wounds to potentially life-threatening infections. The risk increases with contact involving aggressive or sick animals, prolonged exposure, or contact with animals secreting toxins or carrying infectious diseases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the type of contact (bite, scratch, exposure to bodily fluids) and clinical symptoms. Bites and scratches present with visible wounds, bleeding, pain, and signs of inflammation or infection.
In cases of zoonotic disease transmission, systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or general malaise may appear. A history of the animal involved, particularly if it shows signs of rabies (disorientation, aggression, excessive salivation), is crucial for diagnosis.
Differential Diagnosis
Condition | Key Difference |
|---|---|
Dog or cat bite | Deep bites with risk of infection by specific bacteria like Pasteurella. |
Cat scratch | Similar lesion, but higher risk of infection by Bartonella henselae. |
Snake bite | Puncture wound, possibly with systemic envenomation. |
Bacterial infection | Local or systemic infection not directly related to animal contact. |
Emergency Management
Initial emergency management depends on the type of injury. Bites and scratches should be cleaned and disinfected immediately with saline and antiseptic soap. If there is bleeding, direct pressure should be applied to control it.
In open wounds, primary closure should be avoided in some high-risk cases to allow proper drainage. Prophylactic antibiotics are administered to cover common bacterial infections transmitted by wild animals, such as Pasteurella or Capnocytophaga, and tetanus vaccination should be updated.
If rabies exposure is suspected, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine should be started immediately. For contact with animals suspected of carrying other zoonotic diseases, specific treatment may be indicated based on the exposure (e.g., antibiotics for leptospirosis).
Definitive Treatment
Definitive treatment depends on the injury and the risk of infection. Bites or scratches that show no signs of infection can be treated with antibiotic prophylaxis (amoxicillin/clavulanate is the first-line treatment). In established infections, treatment should be adjusted based on the identified pathogen. For rabies risk, completing the post-exposure vaccination series is critical.
If the wound is severe or involves important structures (tendons, blood vessels), surgical intervention may be necessary. Follow-up should include monitoring for signs of infection, proper wound healing, and general health outcomes, particularly if there was exposure to animals suspected of carrying zoonotic diseases.
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