Bee Sting

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nancy
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Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2003 12:51 am

Bee Sting

Post by nancy »

Mac was stung by a bee. Is there anything I should watch for. He seems to be all right now.
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jdf
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Re: Bee Sting

Post by jdf »

the major "possible" problem is anaphylactic shock. Here's a link to a page discussing this and signs to watch for.

http://www.peteducation.com:80/article. ... cleid=2393

How long has it been since the sting? and also, are you sure it was a bee and not a hornet? hornets don't loose their stinger the way bees do. If it was a bee, the stinger is probably still imbedded at the site and should be removed. Tweezers shouldn't be used as this can crush the stinger and inject more venom into the wound. Instead the stinger should be lightly scraped sidewys with a credit card or finger nail, this should make the stinger "pop out" of the wound. If it was ahornet, there will be no stinger present but there will localized swelling - antihistamine can reduce the swelling. If any signs of shock such as difficulty breathing show up, a fast trip to an ER is needed.
nancy
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Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2003 12:51 am

Re: Bee Sting

Post by nancy »

jdf wrote:the major "possible" problem is anaphylactic shock. Here's a link to a page discussing this and signs to watch for.

http://www.peteducation.com:80/article. ... cleid=2393

How long has it been since the sting? and also, are you sure it was a bee and not a hornet? hornets don't loose their stinger the way bees do. If it was a bee, the stinger is probably still imbedded at the site and should be removed. Tweezers shouldn't be used as this can crush the stinger and inject more venom into the wound. Instead the stinger should be lightly scraped sidewys with a credit card or finger nail, this should make the stinger "pop out" of the wound. If it was ahornet, there will be no stinger present but there will localized swelling - antihistamine can reduce the swelling. If any signs of shock such as difficulty breathing show up, a fast trip to an ER is needed.
It was about an hour ago, he let out a yelp and we found a dying bee. It was only the one. The page you recommended was great. I will bookmark it. Thanks.
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jdf
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Re: Bee Sting

Post by jdf »

How is Mac this morning, Nancy?
nancy
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Re: Bee Sting

Post by nancy »

jdf wrote:How is Mac this morning, Nancy?
He seems fine. He is a long haired cat and we never found where he was stung, if at all. We did find a second bee out on the patio so this morning we are checking to make sure we don't have a hive anywhere. Thanks for your concern and help.
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LisaLisa
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Location: Connecticut

Re: Bee Sting

Post by LisaLisa »

Great news Nancy...and I hope you find the source of those bees..I had a problem with bees coming into into my townhouse last year. Never did find the hive but seemed to be coming in through the eaves.

In the early evening, before it gets dark, look for the bees..it's the time they will be returning to the hive.

Best of luck to you.
Lisa, Angel Smokey and little Caz
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Traci
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Re: Bee Sting

Post by Traci »

Nancy, Jdf gave you a great link for resource....but do watch him carefully and if there are signs of irritation in the least, contact your vet immediately.

The location of the sting depends on the severity of the symptoms. The most dangerous in location is a bite near the face and neck regions due to rapid swelling. If in these areas, swellling can cut off the airway, so it's imperative to watch closely for any signs of swelling, redness, irritation, etc. You might also take some time at least twice a day to examine him for signs of fur loss, scratching, itching or other signs of irritation, in which would indicate an allergic reaction to the sting/bite (see your vet immediately in this event, usually benedryl can be prescribed).

If you're not familiar with our forums, we do highly advocate indoor-only living for cats (unless on a cat harness and lead, closely supervised outside)
..........Traci
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