Somewhat graphic: I was bitten by a dog this afternoon; advice on the appearance of the wound is appreciated.

Question

GROSS FOLLOWS:

It's been a while since I've been around dogs, but I've never had one so viciously bite me. The owner (my new neighbor) seemed EXTREMELY remorsful and apologetic; I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt.

At any rate, I have what seems like a puncture wound on my lower arm (near the wrist) from one of the dog's canine teeth. I'm going to my doctor on Monday for a checkup and tetnus shot, and in the meantime I've washed and bandaged the wound. It is a bit sore, and bruised around the opening. The odd thing is that there is some kind of oozing from the bite. It looks like a mushroom, and I can't tell if it's fat squishing out or white blood cells trying to prevent infection. I pushed on it a bit with a clean q-tip, and it felt numb, so I think it's "attached," so to speak.

Has anyone else experienced this from a puncture wound, and do I need to see a doctor right away, or may I use the "wait and see" approach until Monday when I see my usual physician?

Answer 1

Ouch! Your very kind I can tell. I have no real advice except this...Once I was outside when my neighbors dog bit a kid and the neighbor at fault apologized perfusly AND paid all of the medical bills ...the neighbor who was biten did not press any charges so if I were you I would let the neighbor know that maybe they should be sportin the medical bills and you should consider going to the er...If the dogs teeth touched the bone it could infect the bone...do not be so casual about this that you wind up really sick. And stay away from that dog! Chances are this is not the first time it has biten or the last!

Answer 2

I'm not one that goes to the doctor for just anything, especially the emergency room, but from what you described I would go ahead and get it checked out now. The soreness and bruising are to be expected, but the white oozing stuff that's still attached just DOESN'T sound normal.

If you do decide to wait until Monday, at least keep antibiotic ointment on it and keep it bandaged. And stop poking it with q-tips lol. Oh, and if I were you, I would ask to see proof that the dog has had it's shots, just to be safe.

I'm wondering if they have it inside a fence usually? If not I would be really concerned. If it gets a hold of a small child they might not be so lucky.

Good luck, and I hope it's not too bad.

Answer 3

If this just happened today it's to soon for anything like puss to be oozing out. It takes time for infections to develop and start oozing. Go to an urgent care center or emergency room. Something that belongs inside your arm is finding it's way outside through the wound. hat is never a good thing. Also contact your neighbor, demand proof of a current rabies vaccine for the dog, and insist they pay your medical bills. You may also want to contact a lawyer.

Answer 4

Honey, I'd go to a doctor. I looked up one site, and it said this

In some cases, a bite wound requires a physician’s attention. Victims of animal or human bites should call their physician immediately if:

The bite is on the hand, foot or head.

The bite is deep or gaping.

Bleeding continues after applying 15 minutes of firm and continuous pressure.

There are signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, warmth, increased pain or tenderness, oozing of pus, fever).


My mother got bit by my friends dog, and that dog meant to hurt her because of how much pressure he used. In my family we tend to be "if blood not gushing or no bone is pertruding your fine." She didn't go because it stopped bleeding, but if it would of pussed I think she would have broken down. Bite the bullet and go, that is not a good sign. Hope you feel better, and being a dog owner that is the one thing we all dread. Least she apologized, I've seen people who could careless.

Answer 5

Keep in mind that puncture wounds can be dangerous, because the top can seal over, leaving the infection inside. Wounds heal best when they heal from the inside out, so definately keep an eye on that. But supposedly dogs have cleaner mouth than humans, if that helps at all. I guess th moral to that statement is that it's better to get bitten by your neighbor's dog, than get bitten by your neighbor....HA.

Answer 6

It could very well be pus (which in actuality is just dead white blood cells, which could indicate infection). It's hard to say what to do without seeing the wound myself! I would suggest going to the emergency room to get it debrided and properly cared for. If you decide to wait til Monday keep a close eye for signs of infection: warm to touch/swollen, reddened, pussing, or fever. Keep the wound clean and covered from sources of infection until your doctor takes a look. Hope all goes well!
(Ps: I stepped on something sharp in the ocean once and I noticed white coming out of my wound as well and I believe there were nerves exposed. It's hard for me to say that's what's going on with you without looking at it myself! Sorry for the vague answer!)

Answer 7

I hope you are on the way to the ER. Puncture wounds are more dangerous than cuts and scapes because they don't bleed freely to get out the germs.

I would go now and make sure the neighbor getsd the bill.

Answer 8

with any kind of animal bite it is advisable to see a dr asap. i would head to the emergency dept and have it checked now. you'll also need the dogs records. make sure he's up to date on his shots. don't do the wait and see. if anything is going on in there they need to see it now. good luck.

Answer 9

The absolute most important thing is the dog current on rabies shots ????????????? You must find out. If no one knows, you will have to go thru a treatment that is dangerous and painful, at least it used to be.

Answer 10

i would say go to a doctor immediately. The bite might be deeper than you think and could use some medical attention asap.