Dog bites are one of the many types of accidents covered by personal injury law. One of the biggest risks associated with dog bites is infection, which can lead to serious complications. In this article, we will discuss some of the infections a person can sustain from a dog bite.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention to prevent the spread of infection. Additionally, contacting a dog bite lawyer right away can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Infections From Dog Bites
Capnocytophaga
Capnocytophaga is a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouths of dogs and is transmitted through bites or scratches. If you have a Capnocytophaga infection, it can become life-threatening.
Symptoms of a Capnocytophaga infection:
- Redness, swelling, and pain around the wound
- Blistering around the wound
- Oozing or drainage from the wound
- Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Headaches and joint pain
Certain individuals are at a higher risk of contracting a Capnocytophaga infection. These include people with weakened immune systems or those with an alcohol addiction.
If left untreated, the infection can lead to severe complications like kidney failure, heart attack, or even gangrene.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a potentially fatal complication that can arise from untreated dog bites. When the body’s immune response goes out of control and spreads throughout the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis.
Symptoms of sepsis:
- Extreme changes in body temperature
- Confusion
- Extreme fatigue
- Severe pain
Sepsis requires immediate medical attention and treatment typically involves antibiotics and intravenous fluids to stabilize the patient. Without treatment, sepsis can lead to organ failure and death.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and leads to death in most cases. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected dog.
Symptoms of rabies:
- Fever and headache
- Fatigue
- Itching around the bite
As the infection progresses, symptoms can worsen and even lead to confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis. There is a vaccine available for rabies, which can prevent infection. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor immediately to receive a rabies vaccination before symptoms develop.
Tetanus
Tetanus is another serious infection that can result from a dog bite. Tetanus affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms.
Symptoms of tetanus include:
- Muscle cramps or spasms, especially in the jaw (lockjaw)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stiffness or rigidity, especially in the stomach muscles
Tetanus requires immediate medical attention and boosters for tetanus shots are required every 5 to 10 years. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and a tetanus vaccine to prevent further complications.
Muscle relaxants and other medications may also be used to ease symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms following a dog bite, it’s essential to seek emergency medical care.
By recognizing the symptoms of infections such as Capnocytophaga, sepsis, rabies, and tetanus, and seeking timely treatment, you can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. Always remember that while many dog bites can be treated with minor care, some require urgent medical attention, particularly if the infection spreads.
Conclusion
Infections resulting from dog bites can be serious, and some infections like rabies and sepsis, can be fatal if you don’t get immediate medical attention. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you should clean the wound immediately and seek medical attention.
It is also important to seek legal assistance because you are entitled to compensation for dog bites under the personal injury law. You are also required to report any animals that act out of control to the city.
