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Bit by Pig at Petting Zoo?

I’m male, 25, 5’9” and 140 lbs.

I went to a petting zoo in California last night. I was feeding the animals until a pig ran up and bit my finger trying to get the food. I have two small puncture wounds. I put hand sanitizer on the wound and spoke with the staff. They said it should be fine, and that there is no risk for rabies. They did say, however, that they didn’t vaccinate the animals as they’re kept in enclosures that prevent wildlife from accessing it.

I went to urgent care a couple hours later, and spoke with the nurse there. He cleaned the wound, prescribed a tetanus shot, and antibiotics (Cipro, and Clindamyacin). I asked about rabies and he felt that the chances were pretty remote and didn’t recommend the vaccine.

It’s the next morning and I’m feeling a bit nauseous, very slight headache, and lightheaded. I’m also pretty dehydrated, and the wound from the pig is sore and inflamed.

My question is, could this be the onset of a bacterial infection? And is the nurse correct in presuming there is no risk for rabies?
2 Responses
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363281 tn?1643235611
I agree with Auntiejessi, it is more than likely due to being dehydrated and an effect from the shot and antibiotics. Drink plenty of fluids and take it easy the next couple of days, if you DO notice anything out of the norm, then see your physician.
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
Rabies in pigs is very rare, and usually happens in the wild, where pigs are vulnerable to attacks from other wildlife.

https://petpigs.com/education/disease-and-conditions/rabies-and-your-pig/

In a petting zoo environment, that wouldn't be the case.

The incubation period for rabies (time from infection to symptoms) is generally 2-3 months, but can vary from 1 week to 1 year. This means that whatever symptoms you are experiencing now are not related to rabies, on the very off chance that you got it from this bite.

You are dehydrated. That can cause your nausea, headache and lightheadedness. Be sure to drink lots of water - not caffeine or alcohol as those are dehydrating - and if it doesn't improve in a day or two, get checked out by a doctor.

The meds you're on can also cause those symptoms as side effects, so keep an eye on them. Cipro alone can cause all of those - https://www.rxlist.com/cipro-side-effects-drug-center.htm

https://www.rxlist.com/clindamycin-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm#sideeffects

Both have serious warnings on them -

https://www.rxlist.com/clindamycin-drug.htm

https://www.rxlist.com/cipro-drug.htm

Your tetanus shot could also be contributing - https://www.rxlist.com/tetanus-toxoid-adsorbed-side-effects-drug-center.htm



These side effects don't happen to everyone, but you do need to be aware.

You really don't need to be concerned about rabies, and I hope it gets better soon!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Oh and it's hard to say if it's a bacterial infection starting, but right now, you're dehydrated, got a tetanus shot, and are taking antibiotics with some hefty side effects. Just keep an eye on everything, and if you get a fever, or you get any redness around the bite, or it feels hot/warm to the touch, call your doctor immediately.
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