Animal bite

An animal bite may not appear to be life-threatening, but if left untreated the bite can lead to a serious infection. An animal bite should be cleaned properly, and the wound should be observed for any sign of infection. If a person is bit by a wild animal the animal should be observed for rabies.

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).

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