Gatineau Babies: Biting

[Starfish]

Just to close the loop on this...

The last bite I got was in the groove between my thumb and index last Sunday. Lots of blood came out. It was actually shooting out a bit and I had blood following me to the bathroom. I forced more blood out just in case; treated it with peroxyde; made it bleed again, more peroxyde and polyspring ointment with a bandaid... and of course handwashing in all that.

Monday morning I was still sore but went to work. While trying to type, I noticed that my thumb was slightly swollen in comparison to the other and turning purple in areas where I hadn't been bitten (the joint where the thumb folds)... which was odd to say the least. I had a coworker look and she could see it. So, considering the purple-ish-ness is generally not a good thing particularly when it's not where you were actually bitten, I decided to go to the Dr.

The Dr put me on antibiotics as a precaution. My hand kept the purple tint in the joints throughout the week. It was sore and hand a slight greenish tint (if you looked closely) in the area of the bite. It wasn't super noticeable (on may have thought I simply had darker skin) until you really compared the two hands next to each other.

Anyway, I took antibiotics for 5 days straight.

I spoke to a friend who has over 20 years first response experience and she told me that in case like that (purple in the joint and I wasn't bitten there), it means the swelling ( even small amount) was limiting the blood flow to the end of my thumb... Had it not been treated, there was the potential of even losing the thumb in an extreme case. I also spoke to a friend who is a family Dr and she told me the same thing. Bruising in the joint was from swelling/sign that blood was having difficulty reaching the other end. Both concluded, the visit to the doc was completely justified and a good idea.

That said, I know my bite two weeks ago hurt a lot, was quite tender and possibly some mild purple around the area of the wound (can't quite remember). And i turned out fine. However, this time seemed different, based on the info above and, being the second time that hand was bitten in 2 weeks, I figured that my system might be a little weaker.

The reason I write this is for information purposes for others. In the most, you should be fine; however, any bite that breaks skin, even from a human, can transfer bacteria and can be dangerous.

No need to panic but don't write off anything as being impossible either.

What has two thumbs and likes squirrels? .......................... This girl



Similar item to consider:
Woman lose three limbs from dog saliva http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-...fter-dog-bite/

Human Bites info: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/e...cle/000035.htm

Animal Bites: http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/animal_bites.htm
Food for thought from that last link:
What are the particular dangers from animal bites?
Bites to the hand, whether from cats or dogs, are potentially dangerous because of the structure of the hand. There are many bones, tendons, and joints in the hand and there is less blood circulation in these areas. This makes it harder for the body to fight infection in the hand. Infections that develop in the hand may lead to severe complications, such as osteomyelitis or septic arthritis.

In small children, bites to the face, neck, or head are extremely hazardous. Because their small stature often puts their heads near dogs’ mouths, children are often bitten in these areas. Dog bites can cause fractures of the face and skull and lead to brain and nervous system infections. Dog bites cause, on average, about 15-20 fatalities a year in the United States. Most of these victims are infants and young children.



Again, no need to panic. Just keep yourself informed.

[cnmnnaturalist]

I describe the bites to people like this: "Imagine attaching two very sharpened, small chisels to a pair of vise-grip pliers. that is a squirrel bite". I've had a few squirters.

The worst thing about getting the bites on the fingers is you use them (despite trying not to) and just make it heal slower. I have one on my middle finger (top bite on the top of the knuckle, bottom wound on the pad of the finger) and it is still swollen and sore after a week. Not infected, just keep bothering the dang thing.

I have only used mild antibiotic cream (such as Bacitracin) and occasionally the Bactroban cream for wounds, but so far I've been lucky with no infected wounds. Remarkable considering my arms were COVERED in scratches and I had multiple bites. I should have taken pictures to show folks what NOT to do with squirrels.

It's a always a good idea to keep Tetanus shots up to date.

[cnmnnaturalist]

This seems more appropriate.

[TubeDriver]

Good point here! Anything that breaks the skin has the potential to become infected. Always treat any injury like a bite with plenty of warm water, soap and the more it bleeds the better ( from the standpoint of removing anything contagious). Keep an eye and if anything looks odd ( odd colors/bruising, swelling, redness, discharge, unusual pain etc) consider seeing a doctor.

Squirrel can bite hard! Their bites can sever muscle, connective tissue, nerves etc.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Yup. Even a scratch without blood loss can cause infections. Washing wounds thoroughly, maintaining clean bandaging and keeping an eye on the wound's healing is pretty key.

I watched my girl Sweet Pea pull a 1 inch chunk of antler off an old, hard-as-concrete elk antler in the yard this evening. Made me feel lucky that I didn't have any nerve damage or damage to my bones.

[Starfish]

This seems more appropriate.

Lol

[Starfish]

Is it possible for that to be a permanent emoticon?

[cnmnnaturalist]

I wonder if we could get it as one!

[Starfish]

I think it would be a fitting emoticon. could post "" right next to it.