Rabies exposure risk??
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Hi there, I have an odd question that I am simply trying to get some reassurance on. I work at a veterinay clinic and today we haf a patient that was but by a stray dog of some type, owner didnt know of it was a dog or a coyote, just that it bit his dog once then the owner picked him up and the other "dog" left. Either way the dog with the bite ended ul i our clinic about an hour latter. The pet was up to date on his rabies vaccine (im not concerned about him) so i put on some gloves and examined the wound it went through the skin layer but not muscle wall. The doctor came to look at it thwn asked me to clean it up. So I shaved the area around it and scrubed it gently with some Novasan, theny doctor came in and decided he wanted to flush it with saline, he flushed it out with 3ml of saline 4 or 5 times but on the 6th time he was a little too shallow and the saline sprayed every where including hitting my face, i of course went wand washed off what i knew was there but my question is, is there any risk that of the animal (if it was rabid) that bit the dog an hour prior left any living rabies virus that after scrubbing and a few flushes with saline could inturn infect me???? I know it seems silly but im just looking for some reassurance, thank you.
0 likes, 10 replies
lester90053 danielle28620
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danielle28620 lester90053
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lester90053 danielle28620
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Your employer carries liability insurance but it appears that he is more interested in himself than the good of his employees. You should look for another job.
lisalisa67 danielle28620
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Jaybelle danielle28620
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However, you need to have a candid conversation with your boss about wht happens in the event of you coming to harm in the course of your work. He is legally liable for your safety and costs of treatment. Find out what the protocol is if you were to be hurt at work - he should have a clear pathway of exactly what to do in the event of his employees coming to harm at work. If he doesn't, consider a new employer, because veterinary work is not without risks and you need an employer who knows and will step up to their legal responsibilities to their staff.
Jaybelle
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Is there not a special protocol to use when treating an animal that may have been exposed to rabies? I would have throught that ensuring anyone treating the animal was given appropriate protective clothing including a face guard and gloves would be the minimum requirement.
I looked up what the CDC has to say about potential exposure to rabies:
"Should my staff and I be vaccinated?
Preexposure vaccination should be offered to persons in high-risk groups, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and certain laboratory workers. Pre-exposure vaccination does not eliminate the need for additional therapy after a rabies exposure, but it simplifies therapy by eliminating the need for RIG and decreasing the number of doses of vaccine needed."
As I said earlier, I think your risk of infection is low, however your employer should have ensured that you have had an initial rabies vax and that you get additional shots if exposed. His lack of concern is a red flag when it comes to the long term safety of his staff. You can look up what the CDC has to say - it's all online and gives advice on how long to keep the bitten animal under observation, etc.
All best wishes.
:-)
lester90053 Jaybelle
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danielle28620 lester90053
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lester90053 danielle28620
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danielle28620
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