I have an infected cat bite for which I was given antibiotics, how soon should I see results?

Question

My cat bit me 4 days ago now and I left it until it got obviously infected. I used peroxide earlier on day 3 and went to the emergency room at 1am on night 3/day 4. I was given a tetanus shot and a prescription to fill in the morning . Today is day 2 of the antibiotics and it seemed a bit better in the morning when I woke up but now it seems almost where it was during the day before I went into the hospital. As today is day 5 with this bite I was wondering if it should be getting better or I should make a visit to a Doctor's office for further care. My cat had his shots when we got him when he was fixed about 2 years or so ago and is an indoor animal. (He bit only because I got inbetween him and a cat outside in our backyard and is otherwise a very healthy animal). Thanks!

Answer 1

Most antibiotics produce noticeable results in 2-3 days; although complete recovery may take a bit longer.  The most important thing is to keep any fever down.

Answer 2

When you got the Rx for the antibiotics at the ER, didn't they tell you when you should start to see results or didn't they tell you to see your own doctor as a follow up by a certain time?  

Maybe you can even call your pharmacist and tell him what antibiotics you're on and why and ask him how long before you should be sure it's working.  That's important information you're seeking.

Was it bandaged?  If so, you should change the bandage and keep it clean, of course.  Maybe there's a topical ointment like Bacitracin that you can also put on it and then bandage it?  That might help to rid the infection.

Answer 3

Your prescription should be for seven days of antibiotics. It will take a few days to see results. You can soak your hand (if that the bite location) in salt water to draw out the infection. You'll see puss rising from the wound site.

Answer 4

It will most likely be days (at least 4) after you started the antibiotic before it looks better.  If you have any questions or doubt that you aren't getting better, call your doctor and ask, you do not want to risk any further infection/complications and your doctor should be happy to help you.   better safe than sorry.

      good luck.