Photo by Diana Taliun
Cats can be particular creatures in their response to unexpected changes in their environment. A loving and gentle cat can quickly become scared or anxious under stressful conditions. This could lead to a nasty bite.
The oral cavity of the cat is a perfect incubator for a large number of bacteria (we are talking in the billions) that can cause serious disease in people and other animals. When a bite from a cat occurs, the sharp and pointed teeth deposit bacteria deep under the skin. Since the teeth are needle-like, the skin closes over and the bacteria fester. A tiny puncture wound that might at first seem mild and of no concern can become serious within 12 to 24 hours of infliction.
Signs of a serious problem include fever, pain, swelling and redness. If your pet has been bitten by a cat, he or she might also be lethargic and not eat well. If left untreated, this can progress to a serious abscess requiring anesthesia and draining of the wound. In people, sepsis can occur, requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
If you are bitten by a cat, carefully examine the area for broken skin or bleeding. If the skin is broken, gently but thoroughly cleanse the area around the bite wound with mild soap and water. Wash it several times. This is the most important step in preventing infection and is much more effective and much less expensive than relying on antibiotics later to control an infection.
If you are concerned that you cannot cleanse the wound properly or there is damage to bones or deep tissue, seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important for people that are very young or old, have had recent surgery, or have any problem with the immune system. Do not make the mistake of waiting until red streaks are running up your arm before you rush off to the emergency room.
If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a cat, first assess the problem. Fur can easily hide a major wound, so sometimes all you might see is some watery or bloody discharge, limping or a sore spot when petting. If your pet lets you look at the wound, check for bite marks, pain, major swelling or redness. If any of these are present, bring your pet in for an exam immediately. The sooner we care for it, the better the outcome.
Examining your pet for bites can be painful, so care should be taken that your pet doesn’t injure you when you try to look at a wound. Do not underestimate how fast and strongly a docile pet can react when you unintentionally touch a body part that is painful. If in doubt, do not touch it’ instead, bring your pet in for an exam.
If your pet is brought in soon after the bite, the vet can usually treat it on an out-patient basis. The hair around the wound is clipped so that it may be examined more closely, since cat bites can look like other problems such as foreign bodies or cancer. The wound is then flushed to wash away bacteria, pus and dead tissue.
An antibiotic injection will be given, and you will be sent home with a course of oral antibiotics to administer at home and a solution to further flush the wound. You might also receive pain or anti-inflammatory medication. The wound should stay open and draining for several days to prevent it from festering into a full-blown abscess.
If the wound is severe or there is a large abscess, it may be necessary to place a drain tube for three days. The tube is placed while your pet is sedated. The wound may also require suturing or radiographs to check for other injuries.
Next week, Dr. Wood and Dr. Palazzo will address prevention of cat bites.