Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, my boyfriend and I brought some of our pets (sav included) to a local school for a show and tell type deal. Our sav got nervous (we put her back in the tote we transported her in with the lid on after this so she could calm down some) and ended up biting my boyfriend's finger (our fault). He had gloves on but she managed to get through the gloves and put small teeth marks in his skin. She held on for 5 min or so twisting and turning his finger. She's fine and didn't get hurt but my boyfriend is wondering if there's anything he should do about the bite. It looks like it's just going to be very badly bruised and a little cut. Should we just ice it and put antibiotic ointment on it or should he see a doctor? It's not that serious of a bite at all, just hurts and we don't want it to get infected. That was a few hours ago and he's still using his finger and all. Anywho, we were just wondering what opinions/experiences were. Thanks!

~Katie
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JK Pets - Online Pet Supplies

2.3 Cornsnakes (Slink, Shadow, Suzie, Snickers, Selena)
0.1 Columbian Red Tail Boa (Baby)
0.3 Leopard Geckos (Cutie, Lily, and Miss Piggy)
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Sam)
0.2 Pac Man Frogs (Gordito and Spud)
0.1 Suriname Toad (Squishy & the Squishettes)
0.0.2 Giant Millipede (Mega & Mila)
0.0.1 Green Iguana (Iggy)
0.0.1 Red Eared Slider (Tiny)
lots of snails and fish...

I usualy just clean it off with alcohol when i get bit, ive been bite bad before and never got an infection even by fresh imports. I wouldnt worry at all unless it started to seep ichy liquid or swelled up really bad.

oooh, alcohol!? ouch!

Soapy water isn't as great, but it should still do the trick. Keep it clean, perhaps but some hibitane or polysporin on and watch for signs of infection as the above suggested

I usually clean with warm soapy water, alcohol briefly, and call it a day.

Stan

I am not saying what i do is right, its simply another example and its what I do.

I have lots and lots of monitors, when I am bitten, I normally wrap a dirty rag around it, to stop dripping blood all over the place, then go about my business.

I have been doing this for over forty years of working and I have not had an infection yet. I did go to the hospital twice in that time for rattlesnake bites.

A couple of times I had to stitch myself up, in those cases, I did wash out the wound and use disinfectant.

Remember with this history, I must have an active army of antibodies. FR

Frank, we all know that you are obviously part monitor, so as long as you have plenty of nice fat mice and a hot basking spot, of course you will not be bothered by infection! LOL

Leslie

...for all the advice. He washed it out as soon as she let go and it's feeling lots better today. Doesn't look like it's going to get infected either. I worry sometimes with stuff like that (I swear it's genetics!) and neither of us have been bitten by her before. Thanks so much!!!

~Katie
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JK Pets - Online Pet Supplies

2.3 Cornsnakes (Slink, Shadow, Suzie, Snickers, Selena)
0.1 Columbian Red Tail Boa (Baby)
0.3 Leopard Geckos (Cutie, Lily, and Miss Piggy)
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Sam)
0.2 Pac Man Frogs (Gordito and Spud)
0.1 Suriname Toad (Squishy & the Squishettes)
0.0.2 Giant Millipede (Mega & Mila)
0.0.1 Green Iguana (Iggy)
0.0.1 Red Eared Slider (Tiny)
lots of snails and fish...