Suggest treatment for a cat bite
Patient: Hello, I am currently fostering kittens. One has bitten my index finger today around 6:30 PM where it completely punctured it through the other side. It was bleeding for about 45 minutes and now it has stopped. I cleaned it with peroxide and alcohol then but antibacterial cream on it. Also, I had taken amoxicillin that was left over from another issue a while back not pertaining to a cat bite. My index finger is extremely swollen, hard, red, numb, and painful. The pain is not moving to the other parts of my body. Also I have other scratches on my other hand from the same kitten. I rather not be sent to the ER if it is not infected because I can not pay for my medical bills at this point. I am very very worried since the swelling is not going down. I do not want to lose my finger and I am very worried. Please advise and let me know what actions I should be taking. I am very scared. Doctor: Hello,Welcome to HCM,Rabies is a 100% fatal disease but 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment. Dog is the known reservoir of rabies virus and can transmit rabies by biting.As you were bit by the cat following which there was bleeding and swelling of the index finger. You need to take Inj TT, active immunization with anti rabies vaccine and passive immunization with equine rabies immunoglobulin (ERIG) around the wound.ERIG is advised as there is bleeding from the site of bite. In addition to this you need a course of antibiotics like Tab Augmentin for five days and NSAIDs like Tab Ibuprofen.Thank you.