My Cat Bit Me Deep in the Leg and Now a Year Latter It Is Starting to Hurt Again
What are Bite Wounds?
Even the friendliest of cats tin can get into an altercation with some other true cat, dog or other domesticated or wild animate being. Even cats that have been raised in the same household can occasionally accept disagreements over food, toys or a favorite sitting spot and apply fangs and claws to settle the dispute. When this happens, bite wounds can occur. It is important for pet owners to realize that, while larger injuries apparently crave intendance, fifty-fifty smaller wounds that appear to be pocket-size can create serious health issues if not properly cared for. If your cat has suffered a bite wound y'all should seek immediate veterinary care, regardless of the severity.
Bite Wounds Average Price
From 225 quotes ranging from $300 - $2,000
Average Toll $800
Symptoms of Seize with teeth Wounds in Cats
In many cases, it will exist obvious that your cat has been in an altercation. Either the possessor will be present for the fight or your cat volition present with an open wound. In some instances, thick fur can hide larger cuts. Bite wounds tin can also take the form of punctures with little to no bleeding. In these cases, the only sign of a bite wound may exist infection that forms at a later date. Signs that your cat may be suffering from a bite wound include:
- Obvious wound or injury
- Puncture marks on skin
- Reluctance to be touched or held
- Raised crash-land or abscess at site of previous bite
- Fever from infection acquired by improperly wound care
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy from pain or subsequent infection
- Limping
- A bad smell
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Causes of Bite Wounds in Cats
A bite wound typically occurs as a outcome of a fight or crude play between two cats or your cat and another animal. Cats' teeth are naturally precipitous and are meant to tear easily into flesh. This tin make fifty-fifty quick encounters between cats a potentially injurious experience.
Many of a cat's teeth are dagger-like in their sharpness, causing immediate penetration so withdrawal. During these quick but penetrating bites, bacteria from the mouth can enter the tissues nether your cat's skin. In wounds that drain freely and easily, these bacteria accept a better hazard of escaping. In cases which the wound seals upwardly quickly or is more of a puncture, the bacteria volition remain under the skin, causing an infection-filled sac to form. This sac will take the form of a raised bump called an abscess and is the body'due south immune response to the strange leaner.
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Diagnosis of Bite Wounds in Cats
Diagnosis of a bite wound in your cat volition rely primarily on concrete history provided by the owner. You should discuss with your vet whether your cat has recently been in a fight with another brute. It will be important to note the approximate time frame, and if possible, whether the other brute is up to date on its immunizations. This will allow your vet to dominion out the potential spread of other infectious diseases as a result of the seize with teeth. If you did not witness the fight, you should permit your veterinarian know the approximate timeframe for appearance of any wound as well as whether your true cat is an indoor or outdoor true cat.
Your vet will next conduct a thorough concrete examination of your cat. This will permit your vet to determine the severity of the initial bite wound and to also search for whatsoever additional wounds that may be hidden within your cat's fur. In some cases, information technology may exist necessary to shave sections of the cat's torso in social club to provide better access for treatment and to place any additional wounds. This is especially the example with long-haired cats.
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Treatment of Bite Wounds in Cats
Treatment of bite wounds will involve several steps. Offset, your vet will assess the severity of the wounds. Your vet will attempt to cease any severe haemorrhage to initially stabilize your cat. Next, the wound will be thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic wash, booze, iodine or other sterilizing substance. This will be another situation in which your vet may need to shave portions of your true cat's fur, in lodge to provide better admission to the bite. In the case of much larger wounds, your cat may demand stitches in order to allow the layers of skin to heal together properly. Your cat may demand to exist sedated or anesthetized for this procedure, and will near likely be given oral or injected pain or numbing agents in club to minimize pain and reduce movement during the process.
For handling of abscesses, your vet may choose to lance the area in order to allow leaner and infection to escape. This volition involve medicating your cat for pain and making a quick and small incision along the abscess, then draining the wound of any fluid. The wound area will then be thoroughly flushed and cleaned. In some severe cases of either abscess or serious bite wounds, your vet may identify temporary drain tubes in the wound, which allows bacteria and fluid to drain equally the wounds heal and provides for quicker healing.
Finally, in the case of near bite wounds, your vet will prescribe antibiotics to either preclude infection or to halt the spread of the current infection in the case of an abscess.
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Recovery of Bite Wounds in Cats
Recovery and direction of bite wounds in your cat will depend on the severity of the initial wound. In not-life threatening cases, your true cat should make a consummate recovery with proper treatment. If your true cat has had stitches or a drain tube, you volition need to schedule a follow up procedure in society for these items to be removed part way through the healing procedure. Allowing the wound to fully heal around stitches or tubes can create additional complications to healing.
You will need to ensure your cat is kept comfy and tranquility to promote healing from a seize with teeth wound. Your cat may also need to clothing a cone or other appropriate limiting device if they incessantly lick, groom or otherwise irritate the wound site.
Overall, with appropriate follow-up care and adherence to your veterinarian's prescribed course of medications and wound care, your cat has an excellent chance of a full recovery from their bite wound injury.
Bite wounds can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of bite wounds, outset searching for pet insurance today. Wag!'s pet insurance comparing tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the "pawfect" program for your pet in merely a few clicks!
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Source: https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/bite-wounds