sail cat

Question
My friend was south a few months ago and was stung by a sail cat. About one week later his hand started to swell. The Dr. said that it was most likely gout. Since then gout has been ruled out. No one can seen to help him and it is very sore. He said that when the swelling goes down he can feel a little bump. My thought is a poison barb is stuck inside his hand and that is causing his swelling. Have you ever heard of this type of problem from a sail cat ?

Answer
Les; I have been stung by many kinds of catfish including the sail cat and the result has been painful but not long lasting.  My guess, not being a doctor, is that a piece of the fin broke off in your friend's hand.  Has there been an X ray of his hand?

Make sure your friend has a tetanus shot.  The Dr. probably did that but make certain.  

If your Dr. can't handle the problem take your friend to another Dr. or check with the poison control center.  

Usually the stings from these fish is just a painful incident that goes away in a short time.  I think mine lasted less than an hour.

Sorry I can't be more specific and also sorry for being so late in answering your question.  I have had a dooozy of a cold for the past four days and haven't been able to get out of bed until now.

Please give me a follow up in a few days letting me know about your friends hand.  I am concerned in how he does.

Thank you for calling on me to try to answer your question and i am sorry that I   can't do better.  I hope he recovers and goes fishing again.

I am
Jack L. Gaither  (JackfromSeminole)
Lake Seminole, Georgia.