Need opinion on cat bite

OK, this was stupid. On the way to the vet today, I slipped my fingers into the crate to pet Chum's cheek. He bit me. He's such a sweetie, I totally forgot that he used to be a biter!

It wasn't hard, more of a munch. But there was an indent in my finger, so I pushed on it to see if it would bleed. It did.

I'm already on doxycycline because of the clincial diagnosis of Lyme Disease. 7 hours later, the end of my finger is a little swollen and definitely sore. But as a tetracycline, doxy ought to be fine for me.

But what about Chum? I e-mailed his vet to ask, because I totally forgot about it during his appointment.... but have I put him at risk for Lyme Disease now?

That's a very good question and one I have no idea what the answer will be. Please let us know what your vet says about it so we'll all know the answer.

Swollen/red finger is normal after a bite. If it stays swollen, be concerned.

Sending that the Chumster cannot contract Lyme from you!!

I'd guess no because there was no active bleeding until you moved things along by pushing the indent. Makes some sense, no?

I hope your finger feels better!

Originally Posted by jenwales

I'd guess no because there was no active bleeding until you moved things along by pushing the indent. Makes some sense, no?

I hope your finger feels better!

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This makes sense...it seems your insides didn't get into his mouth since it didn't bleed until after pushing it in?

I SO hope you're right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No, there was no blood until I pushed on it. I couldn't even tell my skin had been pierced until then (which is why I pushed on it, to see if it had been).

My HUGE concern is that he's got gingivitis - it's not severe, but he doesn't have healthy gums. If it requires contact with blood, we should be OK.

I wonder if she's still at the practice... maybe I should give a call.

I'm sure he'll be fine. It would take a bit more blood, plus if there's ticks in your area he's been bitten several times before you took him in.

That's true. But he might not have been immune compromised at the time. I really hope that's the case (that it would take more blood).

Well, his vet was gone for the day. She usually answers e-mails the same day, but late at night.

Chances are the vet can't really answer that question. What's the likelihood of the situation occurring before and being studied?

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I'm sure he'll be fine. It would take a bit more blood, plus if there's ticks in your area he's been bitten several times before you took him in.

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Ditto that!

Also, it's my understanding that tick bites are the only way to become infected with this disease.

On the other hand, this link indicates that blood banks test for it.

http://www.bloodbook.com/trans-tran.html

But as already stated, even if it is transmitted from person to person or person to animal or animal to person, it would take more than what you describe to cause an infection, even in an immunocompromised kitty.

Laurie, since you can't get lyme disease from a cat infected with Lyme Disease, it is doubtful if your cat can get it from you. Especially if you are on antibiotics-

Laurie,
you probably bruised it by trying to get it to bleed, which will cause more pain, I'm sure.

Chum catching lyme disease is got to be an original idea - interesting thing to consider - leave it to you to think about it, Laurie.

Of course you already know - don't fool around with the bite - check with your doctor (just another encouragement to do it) .

The same thing happened to me last year. When I slipped my fingers in the carrier, Muffin bit me. When I called the vet office, they told me hold the finger under running water and wash it for a long time with soap. Then they told me go get a tetanus shot if it had been a long time since I had one. I went to the local health department, but never mentioned the cat bite, just told them I needed a tetanus shot.

Poor Chum! I agree with the others, I seriously doubt you can spread Lyme disease to her. ( But don't we all stick out fingers in the kitty's crate thinking that will appease them? It never does, of course, but we keep right on doing it )

Actually, all the other kitties DO rub their cheeks on our fingers.

Of course I've been researching Lyme Disease transmission. The standard line of thinking is that it can't be passed from person-to-person or person-cat &etc. If you have Lyme Disease, you shouldn't donate blood, however. And Linda, they may be testing for it, but there is skepticism as to whether it can be filtered - and as it often can't be detected...

But there is another camp of doctors that are convinced it can be passed person-person, and not only via blood. Things like famlies where the mom and five kids all have it.

I'm thinking the probability is very low to non-existent. But I must admit I did freak when the question occured to me.

Originally Posted by LDG

I'm thinking the probability is very low to non-existent. But I must admit I did freak when the question occured to me.

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You're either a good kitty mom or a crazy cat lady!!

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

You're either a good kitty mom or a crazy cat lady!!

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Maybe both?

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

You're either a good kitty mom or a crazy cat lady!!

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Laurie, only a crazy cat lady, big time cat lover like you will be bitten by a cat and worry about the cat first!
After this one, I have absolutely no doubt you mean it when you say they are your babies (I didn't before, but now you REALLY proved it).

I have gotten bitten by more then 1 of my guys(cat agression fight broken up, feral taming, baths...) None of them had any issues afterwards.

I did have a vet in mid 90's tell me cats can't get lyme tho he was the same man who took all day and cats came home sleepy after a neuter for at least a good part of the night thankfully we learned fast enough on that.

I know I have walked the dog on a road with a highschool and came home COVERED I feel so bad for the kids who go there as lets face it how many are stripping down and self checking at home EVERYDAY

I'm probably a good kitty mom AND a crazy cat lady!

catsallaround, that's a relief to hear. I didn't get a return e-mail last night (which is strange), and she's not in today (she does work a strange schedule).

OK, Chum's vet is out until Tuesday, but one of the staff there called. I don't need to worry about giving Chum Lyme Disease.

I don't have the reason why, but I'm sure Chum's doc will explain it to me at some point.