Garfield's Headwound :(

Hello everyone, my cat Garfield recently went missing for almost a week and was returned to me. He's got a wound on the side of his head, right in front of the ear. It looks like his hair was ripped out, and you can see the bone. It's about a centimeter and it's white with redish veins. The edges are blackish (looks like the skin). He's been really mellow and shy, almost standoffish. He used to get along with my other cat and always came running for food, but he lurks around slowly now and runs away sometimes when I come near.

I don't know what to do. Will he be fine? Should I treat the wound myself? (as described at this site) What do you estimate a vet would cost for this?

I'd really appreciate help with Garfield, thank you!

I would not just treat it yourself. Cat wounds of any kind are prone to abscessing, and without antibiotics, it is very possible for bacteria to spread and enter the bloodstream. The cost will depend on the treatment your cat requires as well as which clinic it is and what vet prices tend to be in your area. For example, some low-cost clinics in my area charge $25 for an exam while the regular kind are closer to $45. If your cat needs antibiotics, they might range from $10 to $50 depending on what kind and how many you need. If the wound is really bad and require surgery, that has another set of costs. Regardless, please take him to the vet to see what treatment he needs. This article has some good tips on how to pay vet bills:

http://www.thecatsite.com/Health/76/...erinarian.html

If you can see the bone then definitly do NOT treat by yourself. Take the cat to the vet ASAP to prevent risk of infection!

Go to the vet! It should be treated to prevent infection and and absess.

Stephanie

You have gotten good advice from the previous posters, so I won't repeat it, but there is one more thing I would like to add. I know how it is to be on a tight budget, but the longer this goes on, the more costly it could become. I hope your kitty is ok, please keep us posted.

I agree, you've gotten some good advice.

Cost-wise, an office call at my vet is $32. Antibiotics would be extra...but not much. I think it's a good idea to go.

One more thing, is Garfield neutered? Neutered cats are less likely to roam and fight. I won't give a lecture...just asking.

Goodness yes, no doubt at all, take him straight to the vet! Not only for the wound, which sounds terrible, but also because of all the things he may have been exposed to while he was missing.

I imagine the reason he's shy and skittish is that he feels so vulnerable, with his poor little head split open like that! Please take him in right away...

You don't normally let him outside, do you?

I agree about taking him to a vet ASAP.

If money is tight check out www.carecredit.com and see if your vet accepts it (or a vet close to you)
That was a life saver when our ferret had to have emergency surgery last week.