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Original poster

Does this look infected? Rat bite

125 replies

bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 20:17

Long story short I took some rescue pet rats and they're not friendly

Last night one got me and wouldn't bloody let go

Over night my finger has gone red and swelled but don't know if it's just bruised and swollen due to the bite , would infection set in this quick ?

Does this look infected? Rat bite
Does this look infected? Rat bite
Does this look infected? Rat bite
OP posts:
Lou670 · 03/10/2023 20:20

I wouldn't be chancing that. I would want it looked at in case of infection. Do you have an out of hours doctor's surgery near you?

hookpan · 03/10/2023 20:21

Call 111

Spendonsend · 03/10/2023 20:21

I got bit by a rat and the gp gave me antibiotics and it didnt look as bad as that.

AdoraBell · 03/10/2023 20:24

Definitely get it looked at.

lljkk · 03/10/2023 20:27

It's infected. I dunno the best treatment but if spreads, you'll need to get antiBs.

I wonder if it's same bacteria that causes cat scratch fever.

Aquamarine1029 · 03/10/2023 20:27

I would get that looked at immediately. Honestly, don't wait. Go to A&E if necessary.

MeinKraft · 03/10/2023 20:28

Good lord, won't you need a tetanus?

Helllpme · 03/10/2023 20:28

Call 111 so they can signpost you to the best service. Infected. Don’t fuck with animal bites.

35965a · 03/10/2023 20:29

Yeah 111 asap or A&E if no luck

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 20:37

I've a telephone appt booked with go
Tomorrow anyway for a different matter so
I'll mention it . Bloody hell .

OP posts:
Totaly · 03/10/2023 20:39

If that’s sepsis you need to get antibiotics sooner rather than later.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 20:41

I don't think it's sepsis. I'll keep an eye out for anything weird . It just wouldn't let go tho I did bathe it with dettol immediately . It feels bruised bit the redness and swelling make me think it's infected. I'll tell gp tomorrow.

OP posts:
Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 20:44

I'm immuno compromised but I am on antibiotics as it is for something else tho they might not be broad range.

OP posts:
WetBandits · 03/10/2023 20:45

Ouch, that looks sore! One of my cats bit me a few months ago, it looked like that within hours and then started oozing pus 🤢 week of antibiotics, iodine dressing and a tetanus jab for good measure. Animal bites to the hand always need looking at (especially if they have small, sharp teeth!) because they literally inject bacteria into the small spaces between the bones. If there’s a 24hr minor injuries unit near you, I’d go there as my first port of call, or call 111 as they will be able to sort you out with an appointment at urgent care.

lljkk · 03/10/2023 20:45

Hope it's not too painful.
I had plenty of pet rodent bites but I don't recall a single one going like that.

Keep us updated !

Amethystanddiamonds · 03/10/2023 20:54

I'd call 111. Particularly as they are rescues and I assume you have no idea of the conditions they were previously kept in? I've been bitten by sick/provoked rats before and never has one gone like that. I also can't quite tell with my screen lighting but is that starting to track along the vessels at the bottom of your finger? I wouldn't be messing about with it. Especially as you are immunocompromised.

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 03/10/2023 20:57

Definitely A&E

BloodandGlitter · 03/10/2023 20:58

Ouch! That does look sore, can't recall any of my bites swelling up before when I've offended the boys. Keep an eye out for any sort of flu like symptoms as although it is quite rare, rat bite fever is still a possibility.

Sparrow91 · 03/10/2023 20:58

I wouldn’t wait until tomorrow. That will turn septic before then.

especially if you are immuno-compromised.

Flyingfup · 03/10/2023 20:58

A Dr told me to start antibiotics within two hours of a cat bite, to minimize the risk of bad infection. Go sooner rather than later. Show them the pic to see if the redness has spread.

TheShellBeach · 03/10/2023 20:59

You can get leptospirosis and other nasty infections from rat bites.
You need to go to A&E.

KitKat1985 · 03/10/2023 20:59

I think it is infected. Can you call 111 and ask for an out of hours gp appointment?

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:00

Sparrow91 · 03/10/2023 20:58

I wouldn’t wait until tomorrow. That will turn septic before then.

especially if you are immuno-compromised.

Yep. Me too. I’d be off to A&E pronto. My DM is immune compromised too.

That needs antibiotics and tetanus if OP’s isn’t up to date.

KEG05 · 03/10/2023 21:00

Op please don’t wait until tomorrow it needs antibiotics asap. People end up in theatre all the time for animal bits that end up infected. You don’t want it to end up
needed washed out etc.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:02

Flyingfup · 03/10/2023 20:58

A Dr told me to start antibiotics within two hours of a cat bite, to minimize the risk of bad infection. Go sooner rather than later. Show them the pic to see if the redness has spread.

Christ yes, definitely. If infection sets in it can forward quickly and get worse. Septicaemia anyone?

Not trying to scare you OP but that looks bad already.