Bite Wounds
Bite wounds vary in severity from small puncture holes to large lacerations.
- If the wounds are small and there is no active bleeding, it is still recommended to have the wounds checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Pet’s mouths contain large quantities of bacteria and therefore an infection is likely to develop at the wound site which may require antibiotic treatment. Small puncture wounds are usually not required to be sutured as to allow drainage from the wound.
- Larger wounds in the form of lacerations are of a more urgent matter. These types of wounds are painful and usually require a surgical repair. The sooner the wound is repaired, the better chance there is of healing without complications.
If your pet has endured bite wounds it is best to have them checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If the wounds are actively bleeding you can apply light pressure to them using a damp cloth until you arrive at a veterinary hospital.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is great advise but what happens if the bit is a sting. My cat got stung, I’m not sure by what. The tip of his paw or the bottom pads are a little swollen and he has been limping on it for a day now. I have tried ice, and Hydrocortizon spray for cats but still no relief. I really don’t have the funds to take him to a vet until at least Friday but I don’t want it to get worse.
I have been keepping an eye on it and he’ll let me touch it so I know it’s ot broken. Is there anything else I can do to get the swelling down?
My first thought is that your cat may have a bite wound abscess, possibly from another cat or a foreign object impaled into the paw. I am assuming that your cat goes outside if you suspect a sting. Usually bug stings cause a mild allergic reaction that includes facial swelling and hives. Swelling at the site of the sting can occur but is normally minor and resolves itself quickly. Bite wound abscesses present in the same fashion you are describing and will only get worse and more expensive medically to treat the longer you wait. If you cat does have an abscess, it will need antibiotics from the veterinarian which does require an exam. Depending on where you live, an exam cost about $60-$70 and medicine will be additional. If you can borrow some money from a friend or family member until Friday try that as the longer you wait, the worse the paw will get and the more extensive treatment will become which means more money. You can also try your local Humane Society or ASPCA to see if they offer discounted services. The only other suggestion I can give is to soak the paw in lukewarm water with epsom salts for about 5 minutes several times a day until it can be seen. Good luck and let us know if you need any further assistance.