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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:
GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:03

Forward, I mean spread…

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:05

Final one from me, my childhood cat got bitten by a rat on his paw when he was young, that was the one time he went to the vet for antibiotics. And he was a ratter cat (caught loads, dead and alive).

FatandRoundBouncingontheGround · 03/10/2023 21:06

That looks nasty and I would be going to A and E tonight.

Incidentally you look to have nail clubbing, do you have anaemia or lung issues OP?

Ilovegoldies · 03/10/2023 21:06

Yes please go tonight. I hate these threads. Poster asks 'do I need a & e" or" is this infected ' gets told erm yes, for them to reply 'I'll ring in the morning'. Don't be that poster OP, get it looked at!

Helllpme · 03/10/2023 21:07

Nail clubbing otherwise know as false nails.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:07

I really can't get out tonight. I've got some leftover amoxicillin from a few months ago - I've taken one and I'll take another now - my phone appt is in the morning anyway so I'll send them pics . Ffs . Thought I was doing a good deed but they're really nothing like others I've taken - flighty skittish and actually seem quite mean for rats !

OP posts:
Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:08

Helllpme · 03/10/2023 21:07

Nail clubbing otherwise know as false nails.

They aren't false ! Is there something wrong with them ? They've got gel
Polish on ??

OP posts:
GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:10

Well if you can’t get out tonight can someone check on you in the night and you need to get this seen in person in the morning. It is an emergency. If you get septicaemia you can die. My best friend had this (septicaemia) at 8/9 years old and almost died in hospital.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:12

Hang on, I’ve just seen the rat bit you last night, Monday night. I thought it was tonight. You’re being really irresponsible if you don’t get this seen in person.

TheShellBeach · 03/10/2023 21:12

bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:07

I really can't get out tonight. I've got some leftover amoxicillin from a few months ago - I've taken one and I'll take another now - my phone appt is in the morning anyway so I'll send them pics . Ffs . Thought I was doing a good deed but they're really nothing like others I've taken - flighty skittish and actually seem quite mean for rats !

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/harmful-micro-organisms/leptospirosis-weils-disease.htm#:~:text=The%20Weil's%20disease%20form%20of,rare%20condition%20in%20the%20UK.

You need to go tonight.

Leptospirosis / Weil's Disease from rats - Harmful micro-organisms - Controlling hazardous substances - Managing occupational health risks in construction

How to control the risks form leptospirosis and Weil's Disease due to the presence of rats.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/harmful-micro-organisms/leptospirosis-weils-disease.htm#:~:text=The%20Weil's%20disease%20form%20of,rare%20condition%20in%20the%20UK.

Elieza · 03/10/2023 21:13

Mark where the red section ends with a biro or perm marker now.

I’d keep an eye on it tracking.

I know you don’t want to go out but it seems very obvious to anyone that it’s changed colour. That’s not good. And it’s right up your finger.

Phone 111 and tell them. They will let you know if it can wait for the gp apptmnt tomorrow.

Honestly, I think you may need IV meds for that. Your gp can’t do that. Ask the 111 people. They’ll keep you right.

olympicsrock · 03/10/2023 21:14

I’m a doctor with hand surgery and A and E experience. That is infected. Finger infections are very serious as the infection spreads up the tendon sheaths and can threaten the whole hand.
Do start the amoxicillin tonight and keep your hand elevated but they may admit you for IV antibiotics ( borderline at the moment) . Really you need to be examined tonight.

Helllpme · 03/10/2023 21:14

Calm down mums net.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites/

according to the NHS you must call 111 if any of these are true:
You've been bitten and:

  • you think there may still be objects like teeth, hair or dirt in the wound
  • the bite is hot or swollen (it may also be painful, red or darker than the surrounding skin)
  • you have a high temperature
  • fluid is leaking from the bite
  • the bite smells unpleasant
  • you were bitten on your hands or feet
  • you were bitten by a person

and only need to attend A&E if:
You've been bitten by an animal or person and:

  • the wound is large or deep
  • you were bitten on your face or head
  • you cannot stop the bleeding
nhs.uk

Animal and human bites

Find out what to do if you’ve been bitten by an animal or person, including first aid advice, when to get medical help and what treatment you may need.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites/

WetBandits · 03/10/2023 21:16

bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:08

They aren't false ! Is there something wrong with them ? They've got gel
Polish on ??

Show quote history

You don’t have clubbed nails, don’t worry! You just have a wide nail bed and your gels are growing out slightly.

However, you do need to get your arse off MN and go and sort your bite out before you start teaching martial arts to teenage turtles!

QuestionableMouse · 03/10/2023 21:19

I wouldn't leave it until tomorrow, especially if you feel at all unwell.

If a rat bites and won't let go, a splash of cold water usually gets them to release! Works on ferrets too!

SoLongAndThanksForAllTheVaricoseVeins · 03/10/2023 21:21

olympicsrock · 03/10/2023 21:14

I’m a doctor with hand surgery and A and E experience. That is infected. Finger infections are very serious as the infection spreads up the tendon sheaths and can threaten the whole hand.
Do start the amoxicillin tonight and keep your hand elevated but they may admit you for IV antibiotics ( borderline at the moment) . Really you need to be examined tonight.

This ⬆️ is the only post you need to read, OP. Please take the advice of someone who absolutely knows what they are talking about

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:22

Helllpme · 03/10/2023 21:14

Calm down mums net.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites/

according to the NHS you must call 111 if any of these are true:
You've been bitten and:

  • you think there may still be objects like teeth, hair or dirt in the wound
  • the bite is hot or swollen (it may also be painful, red or darker than the surrounding skin)
  • you have a high temperature
  • fluid is leaking from the bite
  • the bite smells unpleasant
  • you were bitten on your hands or feet
  • you were bitten by a person

and only need to attend A&E if:
You've been bitten by an animal or person and:

  • the wound is large or deep
  • you were bitten on your face or head
  • you cannot stop the bleeding

Think I’d rather listen to @olympicsrock than NHS page especially as it’s been left overnight and today - so 2 nights if OP leaves it tonight.

Aquamarine1029 · 03/10/2023 21:23

I really can't get out tonight.

Yes, you really can.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:24

I e ring 111. A clinition will ring me within ...10 hours!

So may as well
Wait till gp appt tomorrow!

OP posts:
GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:25

bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:24

I e ring 111. A clinition will ring me within ...10 hours!

So may as well
Wait till gp appt tomorrow!

Can’t reason with stupid. Hope you’re ok.

SoLongAndThanksForAllTheVaricoseVeins · 03/10/2023 21:27

bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:24

I e ring 111. A clinition will ring me within ...10 hours!

So may as well
Wait till gp appt tomorrow!

Seriously? After a hand surgeon has told you to go to hospital tonight?

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:27

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 03/10/2023 21:12

Hang on, I’ve just seen the rat bit you last night, Monday night. I thought it was tonight. You’re being really irresponsible if you don’t get this seen in person.

This is a new nite from
Last Night! I've phoned 111 told them my finger is not , red/purple and swollen . Waiting for a call back .

OP posts:
Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 21:28

The advice from 111 was to wait for a clinician to call me back . I've told them everything.

OP posts:
Ladyj84 · 03/10/2023 21:28

Erm why didn't you go to a+e right away clearly infected and you will need a tetnus regardless if it's a pet one or not. Hope your ok

justasking111 · 03/10/2023 21:29

I was bitten by a feral kitten that was hiding in the barn. Was told to go straight to A&E. Had antibiotics and tetanus straight away. Apologised to the nurse. Who said no need I really did need treatment.