My cat's infected bite: Can I use topical meds if he won't take pills?

Yes, antibiotics needs to be given for 10-14 days for a bite to prevent an infection from developing, Billie received an injection called Convenia which is an antibiotic injection that works for 14 days. the 2 first injections might have been unnecessary though (i usually give the convenia and that's it).

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Mano. Sorry to hear about your other cat. Puncture wounds especially from bites push surface bacteria and oral pathogens from the biter deep into the skin and underlying area called the subcutaneous space. There the bacteria multiple and can travel along tissue planes. I would advise you taking Mano to your veterinarian and let them evaluate the significance of the bite. Your vet will advise a treatment course including antibiotics, possible surgery to place a drain, a rabies shot if deemed needed, medicine for pain, etc. The only thing you can do at home is to apply hydrogen peroxide making sure the eyes are covered and protected. Warm compresses on the area multiple times over the next few days. I'm not familiar with Cicatrin powder but it appears to be antimicrobial in nature. This powder will only treat the very surface of the wounds and may not get down into the deeper layers but I guess it's ok to continue using it. Only use hydrogen peroxide once to cleanse the wounds. If you can get some chlorhexidine solution, you could use that daily to clean the wounds. Good luck with Mano.

Yes, it is an excellent course of treatment, you just have to make sure that the wound does not create a big abscess, in that case it will need to be lanced, opened and cleaned under sedation, but as you caught it early this treatment should be more than enough.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can try the antibiotics first. Usually a long course is needed when it is involving bone meaning having to give antibiotics for 4-8 weeks sometimes. If you would prefer to use medical therapy first, I would recommend they culture the wound so that they know which antibiotic would be best to use to treat this and use oral antibiotics instead of Convenia. Also, pain control medications are indicated to treat the pain. If no improvement is seen in that time frame, the toe amputation may be needed. You can use an e-collar to try to prevent licking which may delay healing. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Stormy! I would shave the fur away from the wound then clean it well with water and a mild soap (avoid hydrogen peroxide). Then apply triple antibiotic ointment twice daily. The most important thing is to have Stormy wear and E-collar to prevent licking and keep him indoors. He should see a Vet as soon as possible to at a minimum get antibiotics but to also see if surgery is required to close the wound. I would call your local SPCA to see if they offer a low cost Veterinary clinic. I hope this helps and I wish Stormy a speedy recovery!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like the tissue has begun to granulate, which is a good step in the healing process. The "burn" he feels is likely due to the exposed tissue bed which still feels very "raw" With the size of this wound and the type-I usually recommend oral antibiotics as well as a topical healing agent like Manuela honey. For these-you will need to see a veterinarian for a prescription, especially if OTC topicals are no longer helping. You have done well so far, but it looks like this wound may just need a little more help. Clipping the hair around the border of the wound will help keep it from trapping fluid seepage from there as well. I hope this helps!

If the antibiotic is causing some stomach upset, contact your veterinarian and request a different antibiotic. You can also ask for an injectable antibiotic, such as Convenia, which will bypass his gastrointestinal system. Subcutaneous fluids can be adminstered to maintain hydration. Warm his food slightly or mix in some plain baby food to stimulate his appetite. If he won't eat, you may need to syringe feed him. If there is an abscess from the bite wound, it needs to be lanced and drained. Pain medication may be needed. Do not medicate him with any over the counter medicines. Many can be toxic to cats.