My pet rat (completely domestic, bought at a pet store) had a foot injury that was bleeding a lot. I picked up the rat to examine it and she scratched me with the claws on her injured foot. The scratch was deep enough to make me bleed. So I probably was contaminated with rat blood. Is this dangerous? Do I need to seek treatment?
2006-12-09 18:46:04 · 11 answers · asked by t s 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I am not a doctor. If you have insurance, like Kaiser, then call the non-emergency number, and ask a professional. With that said, you should not have to be worried. Rat blood is just blood. But if the scratch is deep, then you should clean the wound and cover it with a bandaid. Consider using some type of antibacterial cream under the bandaid.
2006-12-09 18:50:10 · answer #1 · answered by Gdog 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is a pet rat, then I am pretty sure that it is not carrying a deadly disease. I would clean the scratch and bandage it. I would also watch it for the next few days and see if you notice any changes. You can also call your doctor and see what they think. I do not think they can do much and I doubt you will need a rabies shot. It is a pet rat not a bat.
2006-12-09 18:59:13 · answer #2 · answered by Jane B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You probably won't need to worry about the blood if it is your rat. What you should be more concerned about is getting tetanus...which by the way is still rare. If you go to the ER or your primary care doctor that is what they will suggest. First thing though is to get the wound clean with soap and water and apply an antimicrobial ointment, i.e. bacitracin polysporin whatever and put a bandaid on it.
2006-12-09 18:57:16 · answer #3 · answered by Aaron M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hi! sure, I do! Even after a bathtub! i think of that is because of the fact our ft have a brilliant number of sweat glands and could consistently be slightly sweaty, even after a bathtub. The ratties will in all likelihood relish licking the sweat off your ft (because of the salt in it - they at the instant are not purely being gross!) Rats have spectacular senses of scent that's why they are in a position to scent it from far away! attempt putting on some socks and spot what happens. attempt even putting 2 of three pairs of socks on! good success!
2016-10-18 01:31:17 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, you better get to the doctor. But keep hope alive--they saved a girl with Rabies in Wisconsin...she's not the same though.
2006-12-09 18:48:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya see a doc quick. He'll probably give you a tetanus jab or something.
2006-12-09 18:57:39 · answer #6 · answered by red48rover 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your pet very likely does have something that could make you sick..the very least of which could be salmonella or e coli. clean it very good, and contact your doctor for any specific suggestions on preventative measures.
2006-12-09 19:14:29 · answer #7 · answered by rainydaydreamr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably not keep both your wounds clean you and the pet will be fine
2006-12-09 18:48:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should get a tetanus shot just in case.
2006-12-10 04:04:25 · answer #9 · answered by bluedanube69 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG go to the ER now!...you cant be too safe...they will know what to do...hurry!!!!
2006-12-09 18:51:24 · answer #10 · answered by Olive 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋