Hello,
Today I was trying to save a kitten (that had been in the wild until last week) from being an afternoon snack for my dog. I can't blame the kitten because he was terrified but, he bit me twice. Once on each hand. I've been bitten on my left pinky knuckle and my right thumb. The pain has become worse as the hours have past. There is minor swelling and they feel warm to the touch. I have to say they don't look horrible. With the throbbing pain I feel the bites should look as big as plums. :) Am I over reacting? Will I be ok?
2006-07-11 15:05:32 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
You are justified to be concerned. I am a nurse in a hospital and last week we had a man admitted because his cat bit him when a construction worker at his house fired up a saw. He reached down to pick up the cat and it bit him. He spent 3 days in the hospital with his hand all swelled up.
This same thing happened to a nurse friend of mine about 4 years ago, Her arm became septic after a cat bit her in the arm. She had to go on IV antibiotics for 48 hours.
Also about 7 or 8 years ago another pt came in after her cat bit her. She spent days in the hospital
Cat bites are nearly as venomous as a snake bite. I do not like cats for that reason. Please have your hand checked out by your doctor just in case. You may need some antibiotics. You are definitely not over reacting.
2006-07-11 15:11:43 · answer #1 · answered by happydawg 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go buy some Polysporin.
http://www.pfizer.ca/english/our%20products/consumer%20healthcare/wound%20and%20infection%20care/polysporin/default.asp?s=1
Call your doctor and get antibiotics.
I was bitten very severely by my cat on the finger. I washed it with perixide and put some Neosporin on it. The next morning my whole hand was red, swollen, and throbbing. I called my doctor and he told me to get the Polysporin and he wrote me a prescription for antibiotics. It took a few days to get better, but I didn't die. Don't worry. Just take care of it. Animal bites are very painful and get infected almost immediately.Luckily we have immune systems, medications, and doctors. Good luck. What happened to the kitten?
2006-07-11 22:21:05 · answer #2 · answered by Lil D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not overreacting. You should go to an emergency room. Cat scratches and bites can be quite infectious. Cat scratch fever is not just a song it is a real condition and can be serious if not treated. Given that you don't know anything about this kitten you may need to get rabies vaccinations. It would be best to get it checked out and see if there are any major problems. Good luck and get well.
2006-07-11 22:12:42 · answer #3 · answered by rhutson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pour hydrogen peroxide on the wounds. It won't hurt, just make a lot of bubbles. If there is swelling or redness in the morning, check with your doctor. Cat teeth and cat claws can harbour very unheathy germs and if any of that stuff starts incubating in your system, you need professional help to get rid of it fast.
2006-07-11 22:11:56 · answer #4 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got bit by a dog and i went to emergency and they cleaned it and sent me home with a $500 bill and peace of mind so decide if its worth it. If you don't know this kitten it could have rabies or any number of diseases but if it is someone's pet then the likelihood of that is very low.
2006-07-11 22:10:16 · answer #5 · answered by BeachBABE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a doctor ASAP. Animals harbor bacteria in their mouths, especially a kitten from the wild. Anyways, if it gets into your joint, you are going to have septic arthritis (infection in the joint) and if not treated promptly will loose use of that joint. That is not including the possibility of it getting into your bloodstream and causing generalized sepsis. Infections should be taken seriously!
2006-07-11 22:10:47 · answer #6 · answered by sveta_dr_mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you will b/c my dog bit my finger and it swelled up and hurt really bad but it was fine as the week progressed! But if I was u I would go to the doctor just to make sure!
2006-07-11 22:09:51 · answer #7 · answered by Valorie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wash thouroughly with soap and water. If pain persists for 24 hours, call your doctor.
2006-07-11 22:08:56 · answer #8 · answered by MaasMCTS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i really think that you should go to the doctor asap,, i mean it's from the wild as you said so,, and besides it has been proven that cats do have rabies as well as dogs have,, so for your own assurance,, ask your doctor's assistance
2006-07-11 22:39:51 · answer #9 · answered by cHaRLeTTe 16 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a doctor ASAP.
2006-07-11 22:09:26 · answer #10 · answered by jjc92787 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋