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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A Tetanus Shot Necessary After Getting Scratched By A Parrot?

Hi there,
I got scratched in the face by a large parrot. The wound wasn't too deep, and I was able to stop the bleeding quite easily. I cleaned it and used some Bactine, and Polysporin. There is only mild swelling. My question is, do I meex a tetanus shot (I haven't had one in over 10 years). I'm guessing not, but thought it best to check.
Isabelle
posted on Sat, 15 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 28 May 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 28 May 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
hi there thanks for asking this on HCM, no need to worry you dont need a tetanus injection for parrot scratch.its usually given wounds where you are exposed dirt or soil because the bacteria causing tetanus is found there. on the other hand since you are saying a parrot scratched you there may a chance of you getting a disease called pssitacosis. if you develop symptoms like fever, joint pain,difficulty in breathing,diarrhoea you consult with a nearby physician. the treatment is a course of antibiotic like doxycycline or chloramphenicol.
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Is A Tetanus Shot Necessary After Getting Scratched By A Parrot?

hi there thanks for asking this on HCM, no need to worry you dont need a tetanus injection for parrot scratch.its usually given wounds where you are exposed dirt or soil because the bacteria causing tetanus is found there. on the other hand since you are saying a parrot scratched you there may a chance of you getting a disease called pssitacosis. if you develop symptoms like fever, joint pain,difficulty in breathing,diarrhoea you consult with a nearby physician. the treatment is a course of antibiotic like doxycycline or chloramphenicol.