Does cat bites always get infected?!
Question: My kitten bit me Sat night, I immediately cleaned it with hot water, soap, peroxide, bedadine solution and put neosporen on it then I was at the ER within 2 hours of it happening. They gave me oral Antibiotics and splinted it with ointment. They didnt do any further cleaning. They said to check it and to follow up with a hand surgeon in case of infection. Everything I am seeing on the web is bad regarding cat bites and I am worred about whether or not I may need surgery. Is there a chance that since I got seen and got on the meds so quickly that it might not get infected? She bit me right above my middle knuckle on my index finger. its swolen and i cannot fully bend it now. but its not hot (feverish) or streaked or anything, just swolen. Anyone that has had this happen or anyone with medical experience appreciated. Im scheduled to see the hand surgeon on Wed this week,
Answers: My kitten bit me Sat night, I immediately cleaned it with hot water, soap, peroxide, bedadine solution and put neosporen on it then I was at the ER within 2 hours of it happening. They gave me oral Antibiotics and splinted it with ointment. They didnt do any further cleaning. They said to check it and to follow up with a hand surgeon in case of infection. Everything I am seeing on the web is bad regarding cat bites and I am worred about whether or not I may need surgery. Is there a chance that since I got seen and got on the meds so quickly that it might not get infected? She bit me right above my middle knuckle on my index finger. its swolen and i cannot fully bend it now. but its not hot (feverish) or streaked or anything, just swolen. Anyone that has had this happen or anyone with medical experience appreciated. Im scheduled to see the hand surgeon on Wed this week,
About 25% of dog bites can get infected. Cats, however, have much more toxic saliva and approximately 85% of cat bites and scratches get infected. Due to your symptoms and its duration, I would strongly urge to to see your doctor for an Augmentin prescription. The usual antibiotics used for common skin infections will not work with cat bites.
Your hand is important. You need to protect it.
Do cat bites always get infected?
My cats bite me all the time and I have never gotten an infection, and if I did it was to minor to notice. Unless the cat is rabid, then you should be okay.
No, I've been bitten by cats many times and never got an infection.
You were right in taking the precautions that you did. Washing the wound with soap and water and using an anti-bacterial ointment is the proper plan. The trip to the ER could have been avoided. Just be sure to keep an eye on it. If any signs of infection show then going to a doctor would be advised.