Health Question

[erika]

So my asshole cat just bit me on my leg. It's definitely got three good-sized puncture wounds and bruising. I cleaned it with soap and water and alcohol.

Question is, do I *need* to go get medical attention? Some websites say get it immediately, some say wait, etc. etc. Last time I got bit by a cat my hand swelled up like a softball.

Ouch. Halp.

[yesno]

What the hell is a doctor going to do?  Get some iodine. 

Then don't sue me when your leg falls off.

[Andy]

what would they have done in the 1890's? probably die of dysentery.

[Martin]

I only read the thread title and the opening "So my asshole...". I'm tired.

[erika]

Last time they gave me a tetnis shot and some antibiotics.

Blah.

[erechoveraker]

Cat teeth are bacteria havens. They have grooves in their teeth that intentionally trap a lot of junk in them, so the bite can get pretty infected. I'd maybe make a call to your doctor to see what they say - but I personally wouldn't sweat it (aside from some hydrogen peroxide and a good bandaid).

<-- not a medical professional. 

[Kim Kelly]

When was the last time? It does sound like a deep puncture wound with the bruising and everything, but you shouldn't need another tetanus shot if it's been less than five years.

I'm no doctor, but I have had experience with bitey cats and sort of know the protocol. Just keep it clean. You might want to give it another scrub with hydrogen peroxide.

[mike_b]

yeah you'll probably be ok, just keep an eye on it for a while.

[Forrest]

Burt the cat likes to bite me hello all the time, and I've remained mostly okay. I would imagine that any sites alerting you to seek medical attention immediately are probably referring to feral and bodega cats mostly.

[buffcoat]

Unfortunately, you will die* regardless of whether you seek medical attention.





*Someday

[JonFromMaplewood]

Soap, water, and keep an eye out for infection.

[Chris L]

The least the cat can do now is to try and raise medical funds for you on this board. 

[erechoveraker]

Too soon?

[erika]

Haha nice!

Basically I stepped in front of the door while my cat was "fighting" with a stray that was on the porch. I was trying to get rid of the stray but apparently I pissed off our cat who decided to take a 1/4 inch chunk out of my thigh. I hope he enjoyed it.

Woooo kitties.

[Kim Kelly]

This never happened to me personally, but I just remembered this one time my doctor insisted on an X-Ray during an annual check-up because my kitty had really left a bad puncture wound. She doesn't do this often. She usually only gives me warning nips, but every once in a looooooong while I might push it and get a really deep bite from her. Anyhow, he was feeling around the wound and said sometimes bits of teeth or even a whole tooth can get left in the wound sometimes. I don't know. Maybe he was scamming me and wanted to get extra cash or whatever.