Could this be a bug bite? Or what?

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 9:17 pm Post subject: Could this be a bug bite? Or what?

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I noticed this morning that Mellie has a bump on the bridge of her nose. It wasn't there yesterday. Upon close examination, I can see what appear to be two very small punctures in parallel about 1/4 inch apart. At first I thought it was a claw scratch and applied topic anti-biotic ointment. But those two marks are way too close together to be the result of cat claws. Do you suppose it's some kind of bug bite? I haven't seen any bugs that could do that. There's no sign of any discharge. The bump is rather firm, indicating tissue swelling rather than fluid, I think.

It doesn't seem to be bothering her, but if it's not showing signs of subsiding tomorrow morning, I'll probably take her to the vet. Just in case it's an abcess. In the meantime, if it is a bug bite, is there something else I should be doing other than the ointment? I didn't want to clean it with anti-bacterial soap because there's no way I can keep it out of her eyes. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks....

Tim...I am no help here except to give support. How is Millie feeling? Is the bump tender when you touch it?
Please keep us updated.
Lei

She doesn't flinch when I run my finger over it, but I have no idea what it really feels like to her. Thanks for your concern.

If the two dots look like puncture wounds it could be a spider bite...might not be a bade idea to get her into the vet tomorrow before the weekend.

Tim...Please leave an update about how Mellie's nose is doing when you get up. I hope that the bump is gone. She has the most beautiful colors on her sweet face.
Lei

It was about the same this morning so took her to the vet. Vet was unsure. Thought it looked more like a cat bite. Prescribed Amoxicillin (liquid suspension) twice daily for seven days as precaution against abcess forming. I'm not a big fan of preventive antibiotics. Especially a systemic antibiotic. But.....it being a Friday, if it was infected, it could be worse by Monday. So, I suppose it's the conservative thing to do. Cost = $42: office visit = $33, med = $9. Mellie = unhappy.

Tim...thanks for the update about Millie's nose injury. It was a smart move to get it checked & treated.
Better safe than sorry. Please, give Millie a hug from Dexter & Sadie.
Is there on emergency vet available in your area after hours & on weekends? One never "nose" ( bad pun ) when a cat might need to be looked at. I always keep a list of emergency vet's locations & phone numbers where I can easily find it. You vet is very inexpensive. If you lived were I do...it would have cost a lot more.
Lei

Originally Posted by coaster

It was about the same this morning so took her to the vet. Vet was unsure. Thought it looked more like a cat bite. Prescribed Amoxicillin (liquid suspension) twice daily for seven days as precaution against abcess forming. I'm not a big fan of preventive antibiotics. Especially a systemic antibiotic. But.....it being a Friday, if it was infected, it could be worse by Monday. So, I suppose it's the conservative thing to do. Cost = $42: office visit = $33, med = $9. Mellie = unhappy.

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Thanks, Lei, for your support, and hugs returned from my kitties to yours!! There is an emergency clinic in this area, but it's $$$$$$$.

I wonder if Mellie could have gotten stung by a bee? I got myself stung in the face by a wasp about 10 years ago and my entire face swelled up.

It's hard to see what's under that fur, but she's adorable anyway. I hope she's feeling better soon!