Red Bite

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Red Bite
a disease plaguing StoneClan for years

Red Bite is better known to us as Tetanus or Rust Poisoning. Since StoneClan lives a life surrounded by degrading metal, its a daily danger for the Clan. Kits, Elders, and those with weakened immune systems must be extremely wary around jagged metal or nails or they risk infection.

The first case of Red Bite was contracted by a warrior named Sagepelt. At first the cats thought it was an average infection or blood poisoning and while they were correct they were ill equipped to handle such a rapidly degrading disease. Sagepelt died only a few days later from having a severe reaction to the infection.

Many cats continued to die this way causing the founder and current leader to pressure his Clans to only hunt within Traditional Areas such as the park. It was too dangerous in the building and too many cats lost their lives. It wasn't until the Third Moon of the Fourth Year was a cure found.

Newly appointed Medicine Cat Marbleleaf tried a combination of herbs known to relax muscles, relieve pain in stiff joints, calm cats, but the real treat was that it was combined with honey which gave the cats extra energy to fight constantly contracting muscles. It was this symptom that usually defeated any cat. Marbleleaf proudly saved the Pebblekit's life and her technique has been passed down through the generations and across Clan borders to ensure fewer cats die of Red Bite.

However the cure is not absolute. Red Bite is a tricky disease and since it requires such constant and immediate care, only 50% of cases survive and that is being optimistic. Still the cure has greatly raised the chance for all cats to fight for their chance to live through the horrible infection. As such, StoneClan always has plenty of the ingredients for the cure stocked to ensure any cat is given that chance.

Signs and Symptoms
what to look for

By this time, Red Bite is a fairly well known illness. Stoneclan specifically has spent a large amount of time attempting to find new and improved methods of treatmet, as the Bite is such a problem for them. The 'secrets' of the disease are broadcasted to all who care to listen. There are several easy ways to know if a cat could be suffering from the Red Bite. These signs can occur up to almost a moon after the initial wound, but first symptoms of the infection usually occur within 3 to 7 days.

• Stiffness of the jaw or neck
  
• Stiff shoulders or back
  
• Fever and swelling
  
• Trouble swallowing
  
• Mild to severe, uncontrollable muscle spasms
  
• Delirium
  
• Extensive sweating
  
• Rapid heartbeat
  

Also, it is wise to look for a puncture or scratch, even one that is partially healed. Thoroughly clean the wound and keep it covered constantly.

Helpful Tidbits
more facts about The Bite

Three different types of the disease have surfaced, with slightly different symptoms, they are all Red Bite. Inexperienced Medicine Cats should not think otherwise.

• Spasms and swelling only occur directly around the wound
  
• Spasms and swelling occur only in the face and neck area
  
• Spasms occur everywhere
  

Red Bite is not a contagious disease, unless a cat allows their wound to touch another open wound. Victims of The Bite should be kept away from cats with open wounds and no infection, and injured cats should be warned not to touch them.

One of the more important things to do with a Bite victim is to ensure that their jaws do not lock shut. Severe spasms can cause this, and then the cat is unable to drink. Dehydration can speed up the process. If necessary, wedge a stick in between the teeth, in an attempt to keep the mouth open and give the infected as much water as possible. Chew and mash prey as is protocol for cats that have trouble swallowing once the jaw spasms subside.

(c) humanillnesses.com/wikipedia

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Red Bite Cure
from Marbleleaf with love

-A dollop of Honey for Strength, Energy, and to make the other portions easy to swallow.
-Regular intervals of Poppy Seeds for the pain and to keep a cat calm and relaxed.
-Marigold poultice over the wound and joints and Marigold juice mixed into the Honey to fight the infection, relieve stiff joints and to further calm cats.
-Keep the patient as calm and relaxed as possible and never leave the patient alone.
-And lastly, a new discovery by Marbleleaf's apprentice. Constant feeding of fresh kill around the clock helps aid in the recovery. If the cat is having troubles swallowing, chew the pieces before mixing it with honey then massage it down the cat's throat.

An unfortunate side effect of this practice is a Poppy Seed Addiction. However since Red Bite also causes a lingering pain in the joints and muscles, few Medicine Cats have cared.