Yikes, what should I do?

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Today I had Caramel out on his harness and leash cause it was a beautiful day when all of a sudden our next door neighbours large dog (boxer) comes bounding towards us. I scooped up Caramel and started to go for the door. This dog is good around cats and Coco and him get along, he was just being curious but Caramel has never ever seen a dog and he lost it. He hissed which he has never done before (he is a year old) and growled/spit and wouldn't let me take him inside, he was fighting me. His tail puffed up and he began to scratch me. I finally got him close to the door and the dog was still following us, and Caramel was still fighting, when all of a sudden Caramel latched onto my forearm hard. I got Caramel in the house and realized he had sprayed all over himself and me but he was ok just a little shaken. I then noticed that my arm was dripping with blood! How could Caramel's little teeth do that! There are 4 pierce marks, and they are very deep. I washed them and all my scratches with antimicrobial soap and then rinsed them with alcohol. That was hours ago and I can hardly move my arm. I don't know if I should go to outpatients or just ignore it? I know that bites are dangerous because of all the bacteria in the mouth, and I know that you don't want to let an infection spread, but maybe my arm is just bruised? Im not sure what should I do?

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I'm sorry poor Caramel was so frightened. :(
I personally hate going to doctors and would most likely get some over the counter stuff to put on it. But what I'd do probably isn't the best thing to do. The best thing would probably be to have it checked, especially if it's deep.

[orangemm]

Since the pierce marks are deep, I'd have them looked at; you might not be able to clean them out successfully.

Better safe than sorry.

[catmandu]

Thats what called Cat Scratch Fever and it can be serious.
If you arm isnt better in a day or so I would go to your Doctor.
I had that once from a Siamese Kitten Boarder and couldnt move my Hand for three or four days.
We Pray that your arms now better!!!

[Laura's Babies]

GET TO A DOCTOR NOW! I got bitten at the shelter I use to help out at, while my daughter went to pick up a cat at the vet for me and she told him I had just got bitten by a cat and that is what he told her to tell me. As a vet, he gets bitten often and he leaves immdeiately and goes to a doctor. If you don't, tomorrow you will wake up to some serious pain and infection. You need a injection of antibotics and a Rx....

A simple cleaning good will not do, antibotic ointment will do no good either. It requires medical treatment, they are nothing to mess with!

Be warned, they will need to report it to animal control and if your cat is not up to date on the rabies shot, they will have to take it and keep it for 10 days.

Anyone have the link to the thread when Magoo bit CCL?

[AbbyMom]

OUCH! I'm sorry you and Caramel went through that.

Laura is exactly right! Gee thee to a doctor!

When I started volunteering, they told me that if I got bit, just go to the emergency room and start the antibiotics.

Because of the potential for an infection that could require hospitalization, the SOONER THE BETTER!

Please play it safe and let us know how you are.

[rg_girlca]

GET YOURSELF TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM OR CLINIC LIKE NOW!!!!!!

Cat bites are very infectious and you will need antibiotics ASAP!!!!

This is NOT something that you hold off and wait to see what happens.
That is why you can hardly move your arm. Once a cat's bite is deep, instant infection sets in.

I pray that you are seeing a doctor at this moment, if not........

GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GET YOUR BUTT MOVING RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!!!!

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

I just decided to go to the doctor and now reading this thread, Im sure I must go. Caramel is all up to date on his vaccines so I hope they can't take him away from me? I have to go now, Dad is calling to me so pray for me that everything is ok :(

[rg_girlca]

Phew!!! I'm so glad that you made the right decision to get to a doctor today.

Prayers on the way that all goes well for you.

Also, gentle ((((((HUGS)))))) for you.

I will be anxiously waiting for your update.

[Catty1]

Hope your tetanus shots are up to date - for you, not poor Caramel.

(and poor you too - hope you are better soon!)

Catty1

[Grace]

What Laura's Babies and rg_girlca said!!

The minute you get bit by a cat - get to a doctor, be it in an office or ER. Do not delay. I learned by personal experience.

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Thank goodness my tetanus shots were all up to date and Caramel had all of his shots or else I would be getting some crazy shots! When I went to outpatients, the triage nurse who I know said it was good I came in and that I would need antibiotics. Anyways she was the head of the nurses for the province and she is a nurse practitioner so I trust her but the doctor turned out to be a real dummy. He asked me if the cat had its shots and why it bit which I explained and he was satisfied, but he failed to look at my arm. The nurse had already explained to me that because the wounds were so deep I would never be able to clean it well enough and that it would become infected and already appeared to be starting. It was swollen and the red aroud the wounds was growing. Anyways the doctor said nothing, didnt look at it or flush and clean it. I asked him shouldnt I have it cleaned or have antibiotics and he said wait till it infects, and I said well is it going to and he said yes. So basically I have to wait till my arm starts oozing and turns bright red. I know they dont like handing out antibiotics all the time because they are over used, Im a science student I get it but hello I cant move my arm, the red is growing and it is swollen. Anyways I wanted a second opinion so I went to see if the after hours clinic was open but it wasnt so now I just have to wait till it is infected enough for him. Im in so much pain right now it isnt even funny and Im not impressed.

On a lighter note though, Caramel is fine, he cleaned the pee off himself pretty good and I helped clean him up too. He didnt get touched by the dog so it was just a scare. He is back to getting treats and playing as usual! I just went and bought him a little mouse that I can control with a remote :D He really likes it and I got him some temptations! He is a happy boy! Poor lad! It was a scary experience for sure! I hope he doesnt start hissing though cause that was the first time that he ever hissed or growled :confused: Anyways all is good for the time being and I'll be keeping an eye on my arm. Thanks everyone for your advice and concern :)

[Catty1]

I just can't BELIEVE you didn't get anitbiotics!

I got a nasty bite last year at the kennel where I work...and yes, if the punctures are deep enough, they won't bleed and clean themselves out.

One of the kennel owners got bitten by the same cat - and kept going into the city for IV antibiotics. Ooo!

Just keep your arm UP on a pillow or something...I hope you have some good painkillers.

The doc must have had his reasons, but I can't THINK what they are!

poor you!

Glad Caramel is better and getting treats! Now, who is giving YOU some treats? :D

hugs
Catty1

[Laura's Babies]

I can NOT believe that doctor! Ohhhhhhhhh!!!! I would have been raising holy heck! WAIT!! WAIT for WHAT? Darn, they gave me in antibotic shot in the hip within hours and a round of them to take for a week to be safe.. That really makes me MAD! :mad: Let it get infected and you suffer in pain makes no sense to me at all.....

[catnapper]

WOW!!!! When Pouncer bit my mom this past fall, they gave her both an antibiotic shot int he hospital plus a prescription for antibiotics, and her hand STILL got infected. Lets put it this way, a cat bite as serious as yours has a 99.9% probability of becoming infected (I of course made up that impressive number, but you get the point)

Please take care tonight and maybe ice can help soothe the pain.

[rg_girlca]

WWWWHHHHAAAATTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am in total shock here. I cannot believe that doctor. WAIT UNTIL IT GETS INFECTED!!!! And yes it will become infected and them come in for antibiotics. I've never heard anything so ridiculous in my life.

Poor you. My heart goes out to you as I know the pain you are going through. Gosh I still can't believe this. I am totally at a loss for words.

If you are able to, please keep us updated on how you are doing.

Gentle ((((((HUGS))))))

[Grace]

You need to go back - NOW!!

You're going to need IV antibiotics - and might even have to be admitted to the hospital. Get yourself to a competent doctor ASAP.

I'm a retired RN and know what I'm talking about.

PLEASE - don't wait until tomorrow.

[Lizzie]

The doctor you saw is a blithering idiot, no doubt about it. I hope you see a "real" doctor on Sunday as early as possible. This is not the type of infection you can fight off naturally, no matter how young and strong you are. When a vet tech I know was bitten earlier this year, she was at the hospital within the hour getting IV antibiotics, a prescription for futher antibiotics, and a booster tetanus shot. Although a tetanus booster is effective for 10 years, its effectiveness gradually diminishes - that's why they give another booster in cases of deep puncture wounds when your last tetanus shot was more than a few years ago. I'm just stunned by your doctor's ineptitude, though I've met a few like him unfortunately.

Please keep us updated since I know we are all going to worry about you.

I guess you will be making gradual introductions between Caramel and the boxer when you are well again.

[Grace]

The more I think about this, the more upset I get.

You really cannot wait on this. You need to begin antibiotics immediately. I hate to be blunt, but you could be in grave danger if treatment isn't begun soon.

[rg_girlca]

Gosh Grace, you really have me worried now.

How are you doing today Marie?????

I hope you went back to the hospital or clinic to get some antibiotics.

((((((HUGS))))))

[kb2yjx]

As a RN, like Grace, I am in TOTAL at what that quack told you!!! You should have been started on antibiotics STAT!!!!! And THEY should have irrigated the wound, not "wait until it gets infected!!!" Do you have red streaks going up your arm when the bites are??? I hope you went back!!! Please let us know what happened and how YOU ar doing!!!!!! Sandra

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Ohhhhh I just woke up cause I was up all night with the pain. The red around my wounds has grown and my arm is harder to move. Im going back now and I won't take no for an answer. I knew what he said was wrong but I questioned everything and he just kept on saying no and Ive been taught to always trust the doctor. Thanks everyone for you advice and support I truly appreciate it! At least you guys care unlike Mr.Doctor! I'll keep you all posted.

[rg_girlca]

I knew this would happen. Stupid, stupid, doctor.

I pray that you don't land up seeing that quack again.

I would put in a MAJOR complaint about that so called doctor.

Big time prayers on the way that everything will turn out okay for you, despite that quacks advice.

I will be anxiously waiting on your update, but I know it won't be for quite some time, as I'm sure they will keep you in with an IV drip of antibiotics to start off with.

((((((HUGS))))))

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Im back....Not doing much better they gave me some oral antibiotics and this time it wasnt the same doctor. I explained that I was already there the night before and I swear they just thought I was being a pest. Anyways I asked if I should have an IV drip, flushing of the punctures or something and he said no. He said just take the antibiotics and watch it. I guess these ppl have never seen a cat bite before :confused: It is way worse than it was yesterday and the pain is terrible. There are 5 puncture wounds, 3 being the worst and the redness is creeping up my arm. I made a stink but I think that just made them want to get rid of me faster? Im going to take the antibiotics and keep an eye on it but I guess I cant get any help around here.

Caramel is completly back to normal now, he even wants to go out on his leash again :eek: I can't right now though. The owner of the dog called yesterday to make sure everything was ok and apologized for him being off his chain. Anyways thanks everyone again for the advice and concern ;)

[Grace]

For the pain - take ASA or Tylenol. That will also help reduce inflammation. And help any fever you might get.

Is there any other medical facility you can go to? That red streak up your arm is nothing to slough off. PLEASE - do not dismiss this lightly, even if that joke of a doctor does. Something like this can become extremely serious.

Cat bites, along with those of humans, are the very worst bites - worse than a dog bite.

I strongly urge you to keep an eye on that streak. Mark where it is right now, and if it extends further up your arm - GO BACK TO THE DOCTOR!

[orangemm]

I just can't imagine a medical professional treating this so lightly. Something is not right.

[Catty1]

When I got bitten last year, my boss said to watch for a thin red line - I guess yours looks like a streak?

If I got that, I go get help ASAP - because it signals blood poisoning.

Here is a thought - call your local Humane or or vet or whoever and ask them about a doctor who knows about this stuff! I am sure the staff there have a favourite!
They get bitten...

I know it's hard to keep trying when that hurts so much - and I KNOW what it feels like!

Catty1

[Laura's Babies]

Let's all meet on the corner in a hour and go find that idiot that calls himself a "doctor" and have a cat bite HIM! Then lets go rip his diploma from medical school to shreads!

Lesson learned here, WE KNOW what we are talking about when it comes to cat bites and now you do too and can help the next person.

[Lizzie]

This is ridiculous. It doesn't make any sense for any doctor to be reluctant to give antiobiotics in a case such as this. We are not talking about a viral infection where antibiotics are used more to help secondary infections, but an infection of the type antibiotics were created to treat. I knew a doctor who didn't take cat bites seriously and became very ill as a result. He was my husband and had tried to separate our two cats who were fighting. He simply cleaned the wound, went to bed, and went to work at the hospital next day. He came home with a sheet-white face, his arm elevated on a drip stand, full of drugs and furious with the cat because he'd been told that the septicemia could affect his heart. He had worked in emergency rooms for 2 years when this happened, so I'm afraid I know that doctors can be really dumb about cat bites.

Do you have a teaching hospital near you that you can go to? Oral antibiotics will take a day or two to really get to work, at least that's what I remember.

[rg_girlca]

I cannot believe this. :mad:

AAAARRRRGGGGG!!!!!! It won't do any good to rant and rave about this.
The main thing Marie is that I pray that you will be okay.

Do as Grace says and mark a line where the red is now and if it goes any higher, get yourself to a different hospital if you can, or clinic, because like Catty 1 said, this could signal blood poisoning.

I'll be praying for you my dear.

((((((HUGS))))))

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

I drew a line around it right after I got back from the hospital, and it has grown around it a bit, especially in one area. The pain is still the same and I still have trouble moving it. That is the only hospital in our city but Im going to go to the walk in clinic tomorrow to see what they can do I guess. There is red streaking and it worries me a lot. You can actually see the red streaking going from a couple of the punctures up to a vein in my arm :eek: This is just so frustrating! Thanks again for the prayers and I will keep you all updated.

[rg_girlca]

Oh Marie, to say that I am worried about you, is an understatement.

I still cannot believe the treatment, or I should say, lack of treatment that you have received from these so called doctors.

How I feel for you and will continue with my prayers until I hear a good update from you. We do care.

Please go first thing in the morning to the clinic and I pray that you get a competent doctor this time.

Gentle ((((((HUGS))))))

[Grace]

I'm glad you have an alternative facility for care.

Another thing you should do - go to the Medical Records Department in the hospital you went to the other two times. Request that they supply you with copies of both E.R. visits. You might have to fill out a form, and might have to pay a small fee for them to copy the records.

I'm assuming it works the same in Canada as in the USA. These are YOUR records, and you have every right to a copy of them. Then if there are any complications due to their stupidity, you have a copy of what they didn't do.

[Laura's Babies]

Keep at it until someone "MEDICAL" gets as alarmed as we are! This is not sounding good, I am also worried and praying. I am so sorry you are not getting the treatment you deserve to get, total MALPRACTICE! Please keep us posted, I will be checking in the morning FIRST thing on you so post as soon as you can.. Grrrrrr! Prayers going up for you!

[kb2yjx]

Am Worried!!! Are You Ok??? What Happened??? Please Let Us Know!!!!

[sandragonfly]

wha??! oh my..

please, please go to somewhere else who will help you! ASAP! and we'll hear back from you really soon.. :(

just almost two years ago now, I got bitten by a very little baby raccoon who was behind me watching 15-20 stray cats eating on my thumb.. (I laid on my hands back). I had my thumb up immediately, he was hanging on it, I scruffed his back neck, pressed it against my thumb until he let it go. a few minutes after I ran in bathroom, two punctures won't stop bleeding, I got really dizzy and felt so nauseaous - I passed out. :eek: nobody was home, I lived alone, red streaks grew in a day and half. luckily, a worried classmate/friend bothered to stop by, found me laying very pale (had my arm under my neck, head down on toilet rim - was going to throw up! - pressured the vessels), took me to hospital. my blood was posioned a bit, and my reaction to the bite was very common, serve allergic! just to a bite. quick dirty parasites from teeth/salvia you can't see went inside and had a festival. scary.

anyway, so glad your dad is around with you and BE OK! I sure hope you'll write a couple of complaints! we'll help. superunbelievable. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b127/mystichild/furious.gif

[dab_20]

I'm sorry I didn't see this until now! Those docters are absolute lunatics. My mom is an RN and she read this and can't even believe these docters! :mad: I'm glad you are going somewhere else.... I'm hoping you're ok and I will keep you in my thoughts!

[rg_girlca]

Anxiously waiting to hear how you are doing today.

[catfamily]

OMG!I never heard of anything like this.That was NOT a good DOC! I hope you get healed ASAP!

[Grace]

I hope the reason we haven't heard anything so far is that she is being seen by a competent doctor and getting medical care.

Keeping finger and toes crossed and sending prayers.

[rg_girlca]

I couldn't agree with you more on that one Grace.

[Lizzie]

Don't you just want to tie up these quacks and toss them into a pit of feral tomcats, then leave them for several days?!

This was the first thread I checked this morning, hoping that Marie is getting better care. Like Grace, I hope we haven't heard because she is getting the help she needs.

[sandragonfly]

this was first and last thread I checked this morning, now first one again after my all-day classes - still nothing. :(

I can't say you're all okay but I was relieved when I saw you last logged in (around 1PM today), I hope you're gone somewhere getting help and will update us soon!

(((take care))) and waiting..

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Hey everyone and thanks for caring. I had to wait till 6 p.m till the clinic opened or else go back to the ER and we all know what happened there, twice. Anyways these clinics are open Monday-Friday 6-8. I just havent had the energy to move honestly. Last night I was up all night again, I was sick this morning and my arm is still the same. Ive been in and out of sleep all day and then it was finally 6 and I went to the clinic. Well, NOTHING, same thing keep taking the antibiotics and the red should go away. I give up and Im so sleepy and sick to my stomach that I have no energy to do anything right now. Like I just went through all the things I possible could do so maybe Im fine I donno but I dont feel fine.

Sorry I havent been quick to reply Ive just been so tired and not feeling well and my arm is still really sore. I'll get and respond to everyones threads when I feel better :) Thanks again everyone for caring and your prayers :)

[Grace]

Okay - your stomach may be upset due to the antibiotics. What are you taking for pain? ASA, Tylenol, Motrin (Ibuprofen) - any of these can help, although any of them in combination with the antibiotic could cause an upset tummy. Keep taking liquids, even if you can't eat. That will keep you hydrated. Drink whatever sounds good to you.

Try to keep that arm elevated as much as possible.

Do you have a family doctor? Someone you trust? It might be a good idea to call him/her tomorrow if the arm is the same.

And don't forget to get copies of ALL your medical records regarding this incident.

Please let us know how your arm is tomorrow.

[Laura's Babies]

Sending prayers that tomorrow brings a better day for you.

[Grace]

Coming back to say - make sure you take all the antibiotic pills in the bottle. Don't stop before they are gone because your arm is fine and your stomach is upset. If you stop, the infection could come back.

I'm certain all the other nurses here will back me up on this.

[Lizzie]

I'd suggest avoiding milk products except for yogurt which you should eat. Also, apple sauce is easy on the stomach and will help to keep you going. You are in for a rough ride, in part because of the poor treatment you have received, but keep posting here and we will help to keep you going.

[rg_girlca]

Oh Marie, I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well.

But maybe this will ease your mind. Last year when my sister was bitten by her cat, she had 3 deep wounds in her wrist and she also was sick and listless the next day. It took her a good 3-4 days before she started to feel a bit better and she had much better care than what you got.

I will be praying for you that you have a full and speedy recovery.

((((((HUGS))))))

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

My arm looks a lot better today, it is still red but less sore. Don't worry I will take all my antibiotics even if I am feeling better. I suspect it is them though that is upsetting my stomach, but Ive been eating dry cereal, crackers, toast and drinking lots of water. Hmmm apple sauce sounds good though! I had a good sleep last night though but Im still really tired and am going back to bed again. I don't think Im well enough to go back to the gym yet Im still not feeling very well and I don't think I can use my arm.

Thanks for all of the good advice guys and for all of you who have posted and continued to post :) I'll keep you all updated for sure as much as I can, well everytime I wake up anyways, I have a feeling Im gonna be sleepy again today.

PS- I'll always remember this cat bite for how serious they are, and the care needed for one when I become a nurse (I start my Bachelor of Nursing in the Fall). Honestly this has been an eye opener for me really I never knew how serious a cat bite could be :eek:

[catfamily]

When your feeling better,you may want to write a letter to the first Doc to tell him your story and how the antibiotics were needed right away.It may save someon's life later on.But may also make the 1st Doc mad.Just something to think about.
I had an operation on the 14th and one nurse did not care for me all day and I left that hospital that day on her shift in so much pain on my last day I was walking with my whole upper body half way down to my hips.I called the head nurse of the hospital and told her that the nurse that day did not take care of my needs at all (Even though she was a nice lady,she also did not take care of me.Weird!)The head lady in charge was very nice but I know how life is;The Doc's and Nurses stick together on complaints.But I really don't care.I just didn't want anyone dying on her watch.I'm calling again today to keep up on it.We need to express our rights as human beings to survive.

[rg_girlca]

I just popped in before going to work and I was so glad to see your post Marie.
I'm happy to hear that your arm is looking much better today.
I pray that tomorrow will be an even better day for you.

((((((HUGS))))))

[kb2yjx]

Yes, Grace is correct to say to take ALL the pills, and elevate your arm, and may I add warm soaks for 5-10 minutes a few times a day. Yes, if you should eat yogurt. If you do not like yogurt, take some acidiphilos(sp) caps. Keep drinking lots of fluids, water is the best!!! Did I leave anything out???
Sandra, the other RN

[Lizzie]

I'm very relieved to hear there has been some improvement. I suggested yogurt because the antibiotics will kill off the good-for-you flora in your gut and the yogurt will help to put it back. The antibiotics may also cause a certain looseness of the bowels (sorry!) and that's why it is best to avoid all dairy except yogurt, which you are doing anyway. Apparently, dairy products draw liquid to the small intestines and so make things worse (funnily enough, it was the doctor who was bitten who told me that).

It is hard to complain, but very necessary. Doctors and nurses can be incredibly good, but even the best make silly mistakes or have off days

[Laura's Babies]

I am checking on you again today too! Glad to hear it is better today, keep up with the meds.... Those antibotics are making you feel bad, make SURE you do not take on a empty stomach! One round of some I took wacked me out so bad that I came in from work one day at 2 pm, fell on the couch in my uniform and did not wake up until the next norning...

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Thanks for checking! Yes Im taking my pills and eating the right things, staying away from dairy besides the yogourt ;) My body is still ummmmmmm doing some strange things though lol! Im feeling a lot better though and the redness in my arm is going down. I can move it a lot better now too! The antibiotics still upset my stomach even though I eat with them but I guess thats just the way it is!

Thanks for caring and checking in everyone :)

[rg_girlca]

Just checking in before I'm off to bed and I must say I am very happy to hear that your arm is doing much better. :) "PHEW"

Antibiotics play havoc on my system also. Hopefully it will ease off for you in a day or so.

Take care and ((((((HUGS)))))))

[*JTM*Coco*pi*Caramel*]

Ahhhh I think Im heading to being healthy again soon :D
The redness is only a little around the punctures now!
The majority of my forearm is bruised though in all different colors!
At least I can move it though! I was able to go back to the gym today but I stayed away from working my arms.
Im still struggling with the anitbiotics though and it is weird they have never bothered me before :confused:
Maybe it is the type and strength that is doing it?
But I am for sure feeling better! Just thought I would check in and let you know!
Thanks again everyone ;)

PS-Only 6 more days of antibiotics to go :rolleyes:

[Beauty17]

I have followed this thread with interest and disbelief. I have always been told that cat bites - and even cat scratches - could be very dangerous, and that immediate medical attention should be sought. I can't believe the insouciance with which your injury was treated - or not treated, I should say. I am just adding my voice to the throng, late in the course of things, and I am glad that you seem to be doing better. Do take care, and keep alert, even though you seem to be healing. Don't take anything for granted, okay?

[rg_girlca]

This is such fantastic news Marie. What a big sigh of relief to know that you are healing up well with no complications, well, except for those darn antibiotics.

Thank you for being able to keep updated on your condition.

Prayers still on the way for a full and speedy recovery.

((((((HUGS))))))