cat scratch

[carmalee]

On Saturday morning had a cat claw go in between my little finger and my ring finger on left hand. hand was very swollen yesterday, hot and stiff - kept putting in in cold water - not particularly painful, just hot. seemed better this morning but have swelling on the outside back and palm of my hand - quite hot - no nasty line going up the arm so think it's just localised swelling (celulitus?) don't really want to worry Doc - have just had treatment for very bad barbed wire tear on other arm - heavy dose of antibiotics plus tentanus(finished antibiotic Wednesday lunch time) Am I kidding myself it will eventually come right? Thanks for any opinions.

[Eve]

Get it checked out. Hot is not a good sign, especially if you are recovering from a current infection or possible infection.

Cellulitis can be evil if it takes hold and can be hard to get rid of, especially the longer you leave it so the sooner you get it checked out the better.

I have left a couple of infections of mine previously, one I didn't realise was cellutitis (I have arthritis so figured it was that initially) and another wound I figured would just clear itself. The former turned very nasty and took a while to clear despite super strength antibiotics and a couple of days off work with my leg raised about my head to try and get the swelling down and it kept flaring back up, the second I now have a probably permenant scar as a reminder.

[boxtops]

It's worth getting it checked - cats' feet go in dirty places. Are you up to date with tetanus jabs, just in case? I get scratched all the time by my three cats, but any inflammation shows infection, and you might just have a nasty internal bruise, but it's best to get someone to look at it. If you cant get a GP appointment, try your local pharmacist.

[carmalee]

thanks Jenna - sorry to hear about your experiences and will certainly keep in mind your remarks - go well

[carmalee]

and Boxtops! take on board what you are saying.

[Sqad]

If it is settling when you get up this morning then leave it well alone, but if it hasn't improved see your GP.

[carmalee]

thanks Sqad - exactly that has happened - much better this morning so will continue with the cold treatment which helps a lot. Appreciate your reply.