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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

should DH go to OOH doctors with this? Or just treat at home? Savaged by local bully cat!

70 replies

turkeyontheplate · 21/12/2019 22:58

DH has been bitten by a neighbour's tyrant cat while trying to get it to stop terrorising one of ours. It's a nasty bite, but obviously nothing A&E-worthy. Should he go to OOH to have it dressed/cleaned, or do you think it's OK to just bung a bit of antiseptic cream on it? I've heard animal bites are prone to infection?

YABU: just wash it and put a bit of cream on
YANBU: go to OOH and get it seen

should DH go to OOH doctors with this? Or just treat at home? Savaged by local bully cat!
OP posts:
dancemom · 21/12/2019 22:59

Cat bites are the worst animal bite in terms of infection

Phuquocdreams · 21/12/2019 23:02

Not sure if you need to go to OOH, my dh did when it happened to him, it was dressed and he was told to come in immediately if he saw signs of infection eg red streaks going up arm etc

randomsabreuse · 21/12/2019 23:03

Is that back of hand? If so definitely OOH as something as infectious as a cat bite needs treating asap.

Cat bites are nasty because they tend to have all kinds of skanky bacteria in their mouths that are injected nice and deep by their pointy little teeth.

MsJaneAusten · 21/12/2019 23:03

According to NHS Choices “If the bite has broken the skin, you should seek immediate medical attention after cleaning the wound.”

Lonecatwithkitten · 21/12/2019 23:04

If it gets hot, red, swollen or there is any discharge then he should go to out of hours.
I am a vet I get bitten by cats once a month, in 22 years I have needed antibiotics three times and only one of those occasions has been really serious.

Original poster
turkeyontheplate · 21/12/2019 23:04

It is the back of his hand, there are several puncture marks and one is quite deep.

OP posts:
FalldereedilIdo · 21/12/2019 23:04

Cat bites to hand can turn quite nasty. I strongly suggest OOH, but at the very least stick it in some iodine/ vodka now and then watch it like a hawk for signs of infection

Cornettoninja · 21/12/2019 23:05

I’m pretty certain any animal bite that breaks the skin needs assessing ASAP ideally.

I would ring 111 and follow their advice since I wouldn’t feel comfortable rocking up to A&E on my own judgement either but they might organise an out of hours doctor to assess.

Longdistance · 21/12/2019 23:05

A&E or walking in in the morning, it could get infected. Your poor dh Sad

DecemberSnow · 21/12/2019 23:05

My friend was in hospital for 3 nights with a cat scratch !

Andysbestadventure · 21/12/2019 23:05

He needs to go get a fresh tetanus and preemptive antibiotics. That was the NICE guidelines a few years ago when my SILs mental dog bit me for daring to breathe.

StarbucksSmarterSister · 21/12/2019 23:06

Clesn ir, use antiseptic cream. Keep an eye on it. Cat bites can be serious. I've had to have antibiotics in the past.

If it gets red, hot or a red stripe get to the hospital immediately.

Owlypants · 21/12/2019 23:07

Clean it then put some savlon or germaline on it

TrainspottingWelsh · 21/12/2019 23:08

One of mine does this to me reasonably regularly. Often worse. It's never occurred to me to do anything. If I remember I wash them, and if they start looking a bit pink I either put a hot compress on or germolene.

As they usually occur as a result of trying to do anything with said cat, eg take it to the vets/ de flea etc, mostly I stem the bleeding on whatever is handy, sort the cat, and then forget about them till hours later.

Thelnebriati · 21/12/2019 23:09

Don't wait, get treatment and antibiotics first thing in the morning.
When I used to look after wildlife we always treated cat bites and scratches or they turn septic. Their mouths are full of bacteria - the scratches are bad as well because they bury their dirt.

Purplewithred · 21/12/2019 23:09

Hmm - at 11pm on the Saturday before Xmas - personally I’d give it a good wash with soap and water and keep an eye on it: go in the morning to OOh or minor injuries if you are concerned.

wellthatwasthat · 21/12/2019 23:11

I spent several nights in hospital after a deep cat bite on my hand - he needs to be seen asap and he will need antibiotics.

FannyCann · 21/12/2019 23:11

Cat bites can get infected and from time to time we have admissions at my hospital for infections requiring IV antibiotics. Also tetanus isn't a bad idea. On the other hand, you have cleaned it, applied antiseptic. It's late on a Saturday night. If it was me I wouldn't head off to sit in the A&E Saturday night mayhem for the next few hours. Give a ring in the morning and try to find out how busy they are, then go in when it is a bit quieter.

anon2000000000 · 21/12/2019 23:11

My dad has to get a tetanus injection after he was bitten by the neighbours dog.

Original poster
turkeyontheplate · 21/12/2019 23:12

It's actually swelling up now Sad he's going to have to get two buses to the OOH, we called for a cab but they have nothing for two hours! We don't drive for medical reasons. What an utter PITA.

OP posts:
StarbucksSmarterSister · 21/12/2019 23:14

"Clean it" sorry! Too much wine Blush

FenellaMaxwell · 21/12/2019 23:14

Sorry OP. It 100% needs medical attention though - cat bites are utter cesspits.

MustardScreams · 21/12/2019 23:14

When was his last tetanus? He needs a top up if not recently.

I’d possibly delay going tonight and see how it is in the morning, but if any swelling/discharge etc call 111.

Cornettoninja · 21/12/2019 23:17

Better two buses than a hook for a hand!

It’s a pain in the arse but if it’s already swelling he can’t leave it till morning.

TheBlueStocking · 21/12/2019 23:17

I would probably call 111 and see if they can get you an out of hours appointment with a doctor. But I would do that in the morning because it'll be hellish for emergency services tonight. He'll be better off getting a good night's sleep.