Bites inflicted by mammals, such as dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits or other human beings, can cause lacerations and tissue trauma. Furthermore, exposure of the wound to the oral flora of the organism that bites increases the risk of becoming infected and contracting some diseases, such as rabies and tetanus .
The most frequently affected areas of the body are limbs and face. Hands are exposed to the greatest risk of infection; particularly dangerous are the bites inflicted by the cat, because the long and sharp teeth manage to penetrate and damage the deep structures, such as the joints and tendons. The most serious complications include infectious cellulitis, tenosynovitis, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis.
