Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Do I Need To Go For Vaccination For The Bite From My Indoor Cat?

Three days ago I got a puncture scratch on a vein in my right hand from our indoor cat. There was swelling and pain the first day. Now there is no pain, but I have huge bruising. that seems to be spreading around the area. I feel fine. Will the bruising go away in time?
Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
This is Dr. Klarida Papaqako answering your question.

Puncture cat scratches are wounds very prone to get infected because of the bacteria's that they inoculate to the place of the wound. So in general it's recommend the use of antibiotic to prevent systemic illness.
--If I was your caring doctor, and the scratch was a cat bite I would recommend to take amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg orally every 12 hours for 3-5 days.
--If it was a scratch with the cat nails, I would look at the scratch, keep it as clean as possible, and if it gathers puss on it, or if lymphonodes in the area around the scratch gets bigger, I would go and see a doctor if you have other symptoms as fever or systemic problems.

In both cases consider taking Ibuprofen 400mg after food as needed for the pain.
Also, you may need the Tetanus shot if you have not done it in the next 5 years, and the Rabies shot if the scratch was with the cat teeth.

Hope the information helps,
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Bruise


Loading Online Doctors....
Do I Need To Go For Vaccination For The Bite From My Indoor Cat?

Hello, This is Dr. Klarida Papaqako answering your question. Puncture cat scratches are wounds very prone to get infected because of the bacteria s that they inoculate to the place of the wound. So in general it s recommend the use of antibiotic to prevent systemic illness. --If I was your caring doctor, and the scratch was a cat bite I would recommend to take amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg orally every 12 hours for 3-5 days. --If it was a scratch with the cat nails, I would look at the scratch, keep it as clean as possible, and if it gathers puss on it, or if lymphonodes in the area around the scratch gets bigger, I would go and see a doctor if you have other symptoms as fever or systemic problems. In both cases consider taking Ibuprofen 400mg after food as needed for the pain. Also, you may need the Tetanus shot if you have not done it in the next 5 years, and the Rabies shot if the scratch was with the cat teeth. Hope the information helps, Take care.