Management of dog and cat bites

CT: computed tomography; MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging.

* We define a deep wound as one that penetrates the dermis. The depth of puncture wounds may be difficult to evaluate.

¶ We suggest oral amoxicillin-clavulanate (875 mg/125 mg twice daily for adults with normal kidney function; refer to UpToDate content for pediatric dosing and alternative regimens) for antibiotic treatment and prophylaxis for most patients. Infected wounds typically require 5 to 14 days of antibiotic therapy; deep infections may require longer durations. For uninfected wounds that meet criteria for prophylaxis, 3 to 5 days of antibiotic prophylaxis is administered.

Δ Immunocompromising conditions include neutropenia and use of immunosuppressive drugs such as certain chemotherapeutic agents or glucocorticoids. For animal bites, we include diabetes mellitus as an immunocompromising condition. Ultimately, clinical judgment is necessary to define the level of immunocompromise for individual patients.