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!!!!!

[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.