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Suggest Treatment For Animal Bites
Question: A stray cat who adopted us a little over a year ago bit my husband a few days ago. We put antibacterial crean on it and it seems to be healing. I am concerned that we need to do something more
Brief Answer:
Keep it clean and watch it
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Usually cat bites become quickly infected and oral antibiotics are required. However, if it has been several days and actually seems better, he might have had a minor bite that fortunately did not get infected, or the antibacterial cream was enough to prevent it.
If he had just been bitten, I would recommend antibiotics, but if it's truly healing, just keep it clean and keep a close watch on it. If there is any redness, heat, swelling, or tenderness developing, see a doctor and get on antibiotics right away. It also depends on where he was bitten. Areas like joints are especially concerning, as an infection could fester along and cause damage to the joint.
Also be sure that he is updated on his tetanus immunization. Tetanus shots are good for 5 to 10 years. If a minor injury has occurred, 10 years is okay. If it's a serious injury, you might need the tetanus immunization if it's been more than 5 years.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Keep it clean and watch it
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Usually cat bites become quickly infected and oral antibiotics are required. However, if it has been several days and actually seems better, he might have had a minor bite that fortunately did not get infected, or the antibacterial cream was enough to prevent it.
If he had just been bitten, I would recommend antibiotics, but if it's truly healing, just keep it clean and keep a close watch on it. If there is any redness, heat, swelling, or tenderness developing, see a doctor and get on antibiotics right away. It also depends on where he was bitten. Areas like joints are especially concerning, as an infection could fester along and cause damage to the joint.
Also be sure that he is updated on his tetanus immunization. Tetanus shots are good for 5 to 10 years. If a minor injury has occurred, 10 years is okay. If it's a serious injury, you might need the tetanus immunization if it's been more than 5 years.
Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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