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Injury from Pet Rabbit: What to Do Next?

3/27/2025, 2:30:20 AMMale25-34

At 28 years old and weighing 150 pounds, I have a diagnosis of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD) along with ADHD. My current medications include plaquenil, birth control, and Adderall. Recently, while holding my rabbit, she performed an unexpected leap and inadvertently scratched me with her claws. The injury was significant enough to entirely remove a benign mole that I had on my stomach. I treated the wound as I usually would by cleaning it thoroughly and applying Neosporin. Although the bleeding was considerable, I have managed to control it. Now, I’m curious about the recommended care for a wound left by a mole removal. Should I bring this incident up with my dermatologist or take any other specific steps in my aftercare?

ArthritisLupusRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

3/27/2025, 2:30:37 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's great that you've taken immediate steps to clean and manage your wound after the incident with your rabbit. Proper care and monitoring of the area are essential, particularly since this involved the removal of a mole. Here's a structured response to your situation:

Main Points

  1. Monitor the wound for signs of infection or complications.
  2. Consider follow-up with a dermatologist, especially regarding the mole removal.
  3. Maintain appropriate wound care to promote healing.

Explanation

You've already done well by cleaning the wound and applying Neosporin, which helps prevent infection. Since the injury involved the removal of a mole, it’s especially important to keep an eye on how the area heals. The removed mole may have had some underlying skin changes that would require monitoring.

Next Steps

  1. Wound Monitoring: Over the next few days, check for any signs of infection, such as:

    • Increased redness or swelling.
    • Pus or unusual drainage.
    • Fever or increased pain at the site.

    If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to take action.

  2. Dermatologist Consultation: Yes, you should bring this incident up with your dermatologist during your next visit. They may want to assess the area where the mole was removed, especially since it was accidental and could impact further treatment or monitoring of skin health.

  3. Ongoing Care: Continue to:

    • Keep the area clean and dry.
    • Apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin as needed.
    • Avoid picking or irritating the wound, as this can slow healing.
  4. Consider a Tetanus Shot: If your tetanus vaccination is not up-to-date (typically every 10 years), check with your healthcare provider about whether you need a booster, especially since the injury caused significant bleeding.

By following these steps, you can ensure appropriate care for your wound and address any potential issues proactively. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance!

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