Animal bites are injuries that result when flesh is torn between
the teeth of an animal. First aid for a bite includes washing minor
wounds, applying pressure and dressing with a clean cloth until
bleeding subsides. If the animal is wild or domestic but not
vaccinated there may be a concern about rabies. When possible the
animal must be quarantined or autopsied to determine if it is
rabid. A physician will make the decision about rabies prophylaxis.
Review Date: 01/13/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason
Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve,
MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
