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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:
GirlOfTudor · 03/10/2023 22:46

God, please don't leave A&E. You'll only end up back there and have to wait again! It won't be much different on another night.
You'll have gone 2 nights without getting any treatment. You could lose a limb, or worse.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 22:52

I could go back tomorrow during day if gp can't help , but I've an early consultant appt which I can't cancel and if I'm here all night I won't make it .

I'm trying to weigh up if a compromise is keep taking the amoxicillin for tonight and go back as soon as I've seen my other consultant in the morning . It then doesn't matter if I've to wait , plus it might be quieter during work hours .

I think since I've got antibiotics that might be a compromise that wont see my finger drop off !

OP posts:
JayAlfredPrufrock · 03/10/2023 22:54

Have you been triaged?

MeinKraft · 03/10/2023 22:57

bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 22:52

I could go back tomorrow during day if gp can't help , but I've an early consultant appt which I can't cancel and if I'm here all night I won't make it .

I'm trying to weigh up if a compromise is keep taking the amoxicillin for tonight and go back as soon as I've seen my other consultant in the morning . It then doesn't matter if I've to wait , plus it might be quieter during work hours .

I think since I've got antibiotics that might be a compromise that wont see my finger drop off !

That's what I would probably do tbh.

Rosecutting · 03/10/2023 23:00

Yeah needs checked
antibiotics +- tetanus booster.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 23:03

I was bitten by a dog 2 years ago and they did a quick blood prick test , I was still immune to tetanus so didn't need a booster then I'm hoping it's same now .

I'm happy to return tomorrow.

OP posts:
Judyjoo · 03/10/2023 23:05

Get triaged at least OP before you leave - see what they say and then make the decision. I'd encourage you to stay and get a tetanus. I know it was a pet rat but they still carry some nasty diseases. I've no real idea but possibly they may need to take some bloods? That would be worth staying for as the results will be quicker than gp route I'd imagine?

spanishviola · 03/10/2023 23:06

They will still give you a booster. I’m immunocompromised too and the nurse gave me one for a cat scratch when I was in for something else.

Also, I’d wait it out in A&E. I was in hospital not that long ago on a ward with a woman who had sepsis from her cat biting her. It spread up her arm within 24 hours and she was in hospital for a week.

Newtorunning · 03/10/2023 23:06

You'll need fluxocillin for a skin infection not amoxcillin. Hopefully 111 can simply prescribe it for you based on information you provide. However really do look out for those sepsis symptoms. Good luck op

hashbrownsandwich · 03/10/2023 23:07

Yep it is. Don't panic though, you'll prob get a course of fluclox

Mumtobabyhavoc · 03/10/2023 23:48

Oh my god go to hospital for rabies shot and antibiotics! 😲

Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 23:54

Mumtobabyhavoc · 03/10/2023 23:48

Oh my god go to hospital for rabies shot and antibiotics! 😲

It's a domestic pet rat in the uk

No
Rabies here .

OP posts:
Original poster
bemorebernard · 03/10/2023 23:55

Well less pet. Still
Domesticated. If a land shark .

OP posts:
Pipsqueakpopsqueak · 03/10/2023 23:56

I was bitten by a cat once and this happened - I was in hospital for 2 days on an antibiotic drip. Prepare for that being a possibility and get seen asap. Another vote for A&E.

I reckon you’ve got cellulitis there. Ouch!

Original poster
bemorebernard · 04/10/2023 00:23

Nurse rang me for triage over phone , she's going to try and get ooh go to prescribe using photos etc , agrees it sounds infected .

I just ouldnt wait all night in a&e

OP posts:
JayAlfredPrufrock · 04/10/2023 00:24

I know someone who died of cat scratch fever.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 04/10/2023 00:30

JayAlfredPrufrock · 04/10/2023 00:24

I know someone who died of cat scratch fever.

Thanks 😊

OP posts:
PartyFears2 · 04/10/2023 00:52

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster
bemorebernard · 04/10/2023 00:57

Medical dramas ? Up until last year I never had a single issue !
Then yes I got extremely unwell . Conditions for which I'm currently undergoing treatment for . What is your problem ?
ExScuse me for getting ill 🤷🏻‍♀️

You can clearly see a bite mark on the photo and clearly see why I was asking . You don't have to like me or my
Posts. Feelings probably mutual .

Jesus this place really is just full of weirdos .

OP posts:
Original poster
bemorebernard · 04/10/2023 01:33

Ooh rang so need to go back to a&e.
Joy .

OP posts:
ohsuzannah · 04/10/2023 01:39

It looks like cellulitis to me. I got this after an accidental dog bite from my pet. I spent 3 days in hospital on a drip before it started to recede.
It started on my middle finger and then spread to the palm of my hand. I woke up the next day and it had gone up to my elbow. That's when the doctor sent me to hospital!
Get it checked out, op.

Snowontheroof · 04/10/2023 01:46

Good luck!

0lga · 04/10/2023 01:50

ohsuzannah · 04/10/2023 01:39

It looks like cellulitis to me. I got this after an accidental dog bite from my pet. I spent 3 days in hospital on a drip before it started to recede.
It started on my middle finger and then spread to the palm of my hand. I woke up the next day and it had gone up to my elbow. That's when the doctor sent me to hospital!
Get it checked out, op.

Yes that’s why you need to draw a biro line around the red and swollen area and take a photo. The do it again as it moved . So you can show the doctor how it’s tracking.

and yes it can move very fast, within a few hours.

coxesorangepippin · 04/10/2023 02:08

Oh my goodness that looks sore, op

Hope you're seen soon 💐🌅

wandawaves · 04/10/2023 02:14

That looks terrible OP! I've had lots of ratty bites but never had anything like that.
Good luck, I hope you don't have to wait too long.

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