Scratch from a baby chipmunk, should I worry?

[LightbulbSun]

So today my cat brought in a baby chipmunk, and let it loose in the house. I chased it all around the apartment, and finally caught it. While I was throwing it out the window, it sank it's claws into my pinky finger...ouch! :sad:

 

It didn't draw much blood, and it barely broke the skin. But should I worry about rabies or a blood infection?

 

I think I have up to date tenatus shots, I'm pretty sure.

[asthesparrow]

Hahahahahahahahahahha

 

I wouldn't worry, just put dettol on it.

Or what have you.

[FathomFear]

I Googled this. Apparently it is possible for chipmunks (and rodents in general) to have rabies, but it's very, very rare. Likely not worth worrying about.

[SoultoSqueeze]

firstly, if the animal had rabies, it likely would have tried to attack you.

also, since it is an infant, it's likely not had much opportunity to contract diseases.

 

Rabies probably wouldn't be carried on it's claws anyway....they are hard surfaces, and not saliva covered like teeth - and will probably only carry bacteria/disease if he's been fighting with animals or digging through carcasses.

 

Do you have a number to phone a nurse or health professional? Ask what they recommend you do if you have some worry about contracting an illness.

[Capricorn3]

I don't think it's anything to worry about. If it BIT you, then maybe yes, but it was a claw and barely broke the skin. Clean it with detol.

[absinthe]

I don't know what to advise you beyond saying sorry for your owie but for some reason, your story is adorable.

[LightbulbSun]

So basically the consensus is that I shouldn't worry about it?

 

It's a very small scratch, there are three puncture wounds, and two didn't even break the skin (and the third is so small that I can't even take a picture of it.) I don't think it's anything to worry about.

 

I'll call the doc tomorrow, but my guess is that it'll be a wasted office visit. I'm up to date with my tetanus shots, and chipmunks don't carry rabies. So unless I get a blood infection (and it's very unlikely that it'll happen), I don't have anything to worry about.

[teabee]

Hahaha! "while I was throwing it out the window..."

I personally wouldn't worry about it, just keep it in mind for a possible explanation if you DO feel ill later.

[Day_Walker]

I think that you should ask a medical professional, if you need to be treated for anything.

[jengh]

Aww you threw it out the window!? I would have had me a new pet

 

You should be fine. Just be sure to disinfect it!

[greywolf]

So basically the consensus is that I shouldn't worry about it?

 

It's a very small scratch, there are three puncture wounds, and two didn't even break the skin (and the third is so small that I can't even take a picture of it.) I don't think it's anything to worry about.

 

I'll call the doc tomorrow, but my guess is that it'll be a wasted office visit. I'm up to date with my tetanus shots, and chipmunks don't carry rabies. So unless I get a blood infection (and it's very unlikely that it'll happen), I don't have anything to worry about.

 

Wait, are they scratches or actual punctures?