Got Bitten By Vole. Cleaned And Applied Polysporin. Is There Any Need To Consult A Doctor?

Posted on Thu, 7 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 Answered on

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : We live in southern alberta & my husband was just bitten by a vole type rodent, it bled a lot, I have cleaned it and applied polysporin, does he need to see a doctor? His last tetanus shot was 3 years ago

Answered by Dr. E Venkata Ramana (42 minutes later)

Hi,
Thank you for your query,
I appreciate your timely first-aid management of your husband's rodent bite wound.
You continue to apply the antibiotic ointment polysporin thrice daily.
He is up to date for Tetanus toxoid as he recieved his last tetanus shot 3 years ago.
Consult his doctor as antibiotic prophylaxis may be needed to prevent secondary systemic infections caused by rodent bites and to examine the bite wound.
Watch for the development of fever, headache, vomitings, back and joint pains, and rash and report immediately if your husband develops any symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query, if you have any clarification please let me know.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar