foot and mouth More extensive testing, if necessary, may include hemoglobin electrophoresis, sickle cell test, urinalysis, test of stools for hidden blood, examination of bone marrow, test for poisons, examination of both parents' blood, xray of the intestinal tract, and tests of the chemical content of the blood. These tests will determine the type of anemia that is present. The treatment prescribed may include adding supplemental iron and vitamins to the diet, a change in diet, and, in rare cases, a blood transfusion. Iron or vitamin injections are rarely necessary. As treatment proceeds, be sure additional tests are scheduled to check on the effectiveness of the treatment. The proof of proper treatment is in the cure. RELATED TOPICS: G6PD deficiency; Sickle cell anemia Quick Reference Animal bites SYMPTOMS • Bite marks • Claw marks • Bruises IMPORTANT • Animal bites that break the skin may cause infection, tetanus, or rabies. Report all animal bites or claw wounds to your doctor immediately. HOME CARE • Scrub wound with soap and water for five to ten minutes and flush with water. • Apply antiseptic to minor wounds. • Report the wound to your doctor immediately. • Call police or health authorities to deal with the animal. PRECAUTIONS • If redness spreads out from the wound or if the wound becomes tender, call your doctor. • Make sure your child's tetanus immunization status is current • Teach your child to be careful around domestic pets and to stay away from wild animals. • Be sure your own pets have been vaccinated against rabies. Animal bites that break the skin may result in serious complications. Animal bites often become infected by bacteria from the animal's mouth and may cause tetanus (lockjaw) and rabies. Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a type of bacterium that lives in soil, dust, and the intestines and intestinal wastes of animals and humans. The bacterium can easily enter the body through puncture wounds or scratches caused by animal bites and claw wounds. A vaccine to prevent tetanus is available. Rabies is a fatal disease of the central nervous system that mav affect any mammal. It is caused by a virus that can be identified in the brain of an affected animal. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of the sick animal. It is most commonly found in the United States among skunks, foxes, cattle, dogs, bats, cats, and raccoons. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Even in younger children, an animal bite is usually obvious from its appearance. It is sometimes difficult to tell a bite from a claw wound; however, claw wounds should be treated in the same way as bites because a claw wound can also contain bacteria from the animal's saliva. If the bite has caused a bruise but there is no break in the skin, you do not need to worry about rabies or tetanus. Make sure that your child's tetanus immunization status is current and that your pets have been vaccinated against rabies. HOME CARE Scrub the wound with soap and water for five to ten minutes and flush with water. three-day