Arthritic pain associated with a dog bite?

Question

Long story short--I was bitten by a 4 month old extra-large breed puppy back in early February. I did all the neccessary precautions (wound flush, antibiotics, sterile pads over the wound, etc, etc, etc). The bite was in between the "bend" of the thumb near the palm of the hand. It went from the web all the way around to the other side of the thumb and most was down to the bone. It healed nicely within 10 days and the 3 doctors treating me showed no concern of healing an infection inside. Over the last few days I've noticed almost an arthritic type pain in the joint of my thumb (right where it meets the hand basically). My thumb is slightly swollen, though it has been since the bite itself. It is really an arthritic pain. I guess I'm curious to know if it is simply arthritis or possibly arthritis as a result of the bite? I don't think there's an infection--there are no "lumps" under or around the dog bite and I have no fever or other signs of infection. Serious answers only.

Thanks Leadbell......yes, there was significant nerve damage. I have about 80% feeling right now. I have feeling but it's a sensitive almost tingly type but that's more near the tip of the thumb (around the nail). The bite wound itself is still very sensitive though, I keep it wrapped quite often more for protection than anything else (because the muscle hasn't healed up around the healing nerves so the slightest "hit" in just the right place sends a jolt of "zing" through my whole thumb and then I get the tingly feeling in the entire finger, the palm and down to my wrist.
I guess another question to add would be if bracing it would be helpful or hurtful? I'm thinking something that'll allow mobility but limit it at the same time?

Answer 1

Friend-----------WOW------------just what kind of puppy could be this vicious at only 4 months of age is astounding-----------no----I don't think it has been long enough to label it as arthritis-------however it sure does sound like nerve damage-------ask your doctor about trying high dose neurontin......it is about the best med I have found for nerve damage if taken in high dosages-----also---------you need to soak this hand in warm or hot water-----you could even give the dishwasher a break and wash them manually-------this motion while in the water would be beneficial----------no---i personally wouldn't recommend immobilization--------would cause stiffness and thus more pain-----instead lets shoot for increased mobility with warmth----------you could get one of those hot wax baths if you wish----I hate that mess though (I spill too much)------good luck friend

Answer 2

Very very rarely an astute intelligent dog may catch on that it gets a fuss and attention when it has limp and when the limp is better, the fuss gets less, so it may hold its paw up in the hope of a fuss etc. But dogs that do this are few and far between. They do not cry out in pain though. Its sounds like your dog does really have something wrong with his leg or paw and if he is crying a lot then that is NOT faking it. Dogs do not cry for no reason. Get him to a vet and explain the problem. It may just be a thorn in his paw, a loose and bruised nail, or it may be a more serious bone problem. He may need an x-ray. Only a vet can help the dog.

Answer 3

Do you have stiffness along with the arthritic type pain? Do you get relief from anti-inflamatories? If so I think it probably is the beginning of arthritis, which seems unusual after a dog bite.

Answer 4

i think not . Arthritis has another kind of pain and dog bites got another one. But if you are bitten by a dog, be sure to observe the dog who bites you for one week and if the dog dies, then you need an anti-rabbies injection. and if you got arthritic pain, then avoid eating food rich in protein. Good if you have not experienced that pain now.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I'm only guessing but it sounds like there is some foreign protein trapped inside the wound.
as well, the skin around the bite will heal quicker than the internal stuff. nerve damage is often very slow to heal.
you could get some physiotherapy and do gentle stretching exercises. it could take a while to get back to normal.

Answer 7

Did they not give you a tetanus injection for the bite? Arthritis can be caused by infection, so I am just wondering if you might be heading down this road.