How should a rat bite be treated? - briefly
First, wash the puncture thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a sterile dressing. Prompt medical assessment is required to determine need for tetanus booster and rabies prophylaxis.
How should a rat bite be treated? - in detail
When a rat bite occurs, immediate care focuses on preventing infection and minimizing tissue damage. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop bleeding, then wash the wound thoroughly with running water and mild soap for at least one minute. Use a sterile gauze to pat the area dry and cover it with a non‑adhesive dressing.
After cleansing, assess the depth and extent of the injury. Superficial punctures may be managed with topical antiseptic (e.g., povidone‑iodine) and a sterile bandage. Deeper lacerations or those with visible muscle or tendon involvement require professional debridement, possible suturing, and close monitoring for signs of necrosis.
Because rodents commonly carry pathogens such as Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Leptospira, systemic antibiotic therapy is recommended. First‑line oral agents include amoxicillin‑clavulanate (875 mg/125 mg three times daily) for 7–10 days. In patients allergic to penicillins, alternatives such as doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone may be used. Adjust the regimen if culture results identify a specific organism.
Tetanus prophylaxis must be evaluated based on immunization history. Administer a tetanus toxoid booster if the patient has not received a dose within the previous five years. Rabies risk is low for most laboratory or pet rats, but exposure to wild or feral rodents warrants evaluation by a qualified clinician and, when indicated, initiation of post‑exposure rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine series.
Schedule a follow‑up visit within 48 hours to inspect wound healing, confirm the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, and detect early complications such as cellulitis, abscess formation, or lymphangitis. Advise the patient to report increasing pain, swelling, redness spreading beyond the wound margins, fever, or drainage. Prompt intervention at the first sign of systemic infection can prevent serious outcomes.