I started feeding "Walter" about 4 years ago when he showed up and joined my other feral one day. I've always been able to pet him, so he did have human contact prior to me. He was neutered/vacinated also approx 4 years ago. Walter does not like being inside. I have had to shut him inside the garage on really cold nights (30 degrees)& he has a lot to say about it. Cries & cries! He doesn't get mean, just loud, panicky & wants back out.
Now the current situation:
Walter appeared to have a broken leg last week. It looked "weird" & he wouldn't walk on it. He disappeared for 2 days & I assumed he couldn't make it back over the fence and would probably die.
He showed back up last sat and now I could see a huge bite wound in his front left leg!!! Not broken just bitten. I promptly lured him into garage & closed the door!
He has been in the garage for over 72 hrs. Each day his crying periods get louder, and longer - he really wants out. His wound seems to be healing VERY well but the reason I'm keeping him I garage is I don't want him to get an absess/infection.
I'm giving him fish mox (amoxicillian) twice a day in his food. He has hiding place with blankets and is happy(ish) when I visit him for food/petting/treats. He's even using the litter box.
Here's where I need some advice/moral support:
1. Does the bite wound appear to be healing? {This photo is 7 days after initial bite injury. Surrounding Skin isn't red. Puncture holes are scanning over. No smell. No visible puss. Leg is much less swollen than day 1 of quarantine.}
2. How long before an abscess would/could form? Ie: when is he "out of the woods"?
3. Any way to ease his anxiety during his quarantine?
4. I'm planning to keep him for 4 more nights, so he will have had 7 days of antibiotics & I can monitor everything. Does this seem too long for him? My fear is, I release him too soon, he will run off for days and I won't be able I give home antibiotic, view the wound, and it will get dirty- risking infection.
Thanks and sorry for the long post- just wanted to provide all relevant info. Thanks
Now the current situation:
Walter appeared to have a broken leg last week. It looked "weird" & he wouldn't walk on it. He disappeared for 2 days & I assumed he couldn't make it back over the fence and would probably die.
He showed back up last sat and now I could see a huge bite wound in his front left leg!!! Not broken just bitten. I promptly lured him into garage & closed the door!
He has been in the garage for over 72 hrs. Each day his crying periods get louder, and longer - he really wants out. His wound seems to be healing VERY well but the reason I'm keeping him I garage is I don't want him to get an absess/infection.
I'm giving him fish mox (amoxicillian) twice a day in his food. He has hiding place with blankets and is happy(ish) when I visit him for food/petting/treats. He's even using the litter box.
Here's where I need some advice/moral support:
1. Does the bite wound appear to be healing? {This photo is 7 days after initial bite injury. Surrounding Skin isn't red. Puncture holes are scanning over. No smell. No visible puss. Leg is much less swollen than day 1 of quarantine.}
2. How long before an abscess would/could form? Ie: when is he "out of the woods"?
3. Any way to ease his anxiety during his quarantine?
4. I'm planning to keep him for 4 more nights, so he will have had 7 days of antibiotics & I can monitor everything. Does this seem too long for him? My fear is, I release him too soon, he will run off for days and I won't be able I give home antibiotic, view the wound, and it will get dirty- risking infection.
Thanks and sorry for the long post- just wanted to provide all relevant info. Thanks