What should I do if a rat bites the tongue? - briefly
«Clean the wound with mild soap and water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover with a sterile dressing.» «Seek immediate medical evaluation for possible infection and rabies prophylaxis.»
What should I do if a rat bites the tongue? - in detail
If a rodent punctures the tongue, act without delay. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding; maintain pressure for several minutes until bleeding subsides.
After bleeding is controlled, rinse the oral cavity with a saline solution (½ teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water). Swish gently for 30 seconds, repeat three times. Avoid vigorous rinsing that could dislodge clots.
Seek professional medical assessment promptly. Inform the clinician of the animal species, bite location, and time elapsed. The examiner will inspect for tissue damage, assess depth, and determine the need for suturing or imaging.
Administer tetanus prophylaxis if immunization status is uncertain or if more than five years have passed since the last booster. Consider rabies risk evaluation; local health authorities may recommend post‑exposure prophylaxis based on regional rodent rabies prevalence.
Prescribe a broad‑spectrum oral antibiotic to prevent secondary bacterial infection, typically amoxicillin‑clavulanate or doxycycline, adjusted for allergies. Advise a soft‑food diet, avoidance of hot, spicy, or acidic items, and gentle oral hygiene with a mild antiseptic mouthwash.
Monitor for signs of infection: increasing pain, swelling, pus, fever, or difficulty swallowing. Return to medical care if any of these symptoms develop or if the wound fails to heal within a week.