daughter steps on very old rusty tac, barefoot...

[BMW]

She is up to date on her vaccinations. The site is sore. What do I look for as far as tetanus complications? Thanks,
B

[Mrs Mungo]

You'll want to watch for red streaks, fever, chills. Those could indicate blood poisoning, which, is not a technical term but it more likely than tetanus.

More on tetanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetanus

[Karen sn]

I always bleed it out. Then before it really scabs - I pick it and let it bleed some more.
An old wise woman once told me that tetanus can't take over in the presence of oxygen.
And if I'm not mistaken you can't have tetanus on a rusty nail unless you've had horses (or cows?) in the field as well.
Anyonelse know about the horse or cow connection?

[K-FL]

Keep an eye out for staph too. It seems to be everywhere these days.

[Holly IN]

I thought you still had to go and get a shot whether you were up to date or not. Is this true?

hhmmm

Holly

[Laura in VA]

Ds once did something similar and they gave him a shot even though he was up to date on everything. I think I would give the doctor a call, just in case.

[Soph the vet]

I always bleed it out. Then before it really scabs - I pick it and let it bleed some more.
An old wise woman once told me that tetanus can't take over in the presence of oxygen.
And if I'm not mistaken you can't have tetanus on a rusty nail unless you've had horses (or cows?) in the field as well.
Anyonelse know about the horse or cow connection?
Horses are exquisitely sensitive to Clostridium tetani (tetanus) and cows are actually pretty resistant. That's why horses are vaxed yearly for it and cows, dogs, and cats are not. Goats are also extremely sensitive.
Clostridial spores are very hardy and can live in the dirt whether or not you have livestock around...that is my understanding.
If your daughter is current on her tetanus you don't need another vaccination. If tetanus is suspected in some cases they will give antitoxin and antibiotics as well as opening the would to oxygen as tetanus is an obligate anaerobe. Signs of tetanus include rigid muscles, gas bubbles under the skin near the wound, swollen skin near the wound. To be on the safe side you might want to get your daughter on Amoxicillin. At least that is what I would do if she were a pet brought to me:D.

[Cindy in the NH Woods]

His pediatrician said to soak it in hot water (you may add salt if you wish) a few times a day. Do NOT apply antibiotic ointments or liquid band-aides as the wound needs air on the off chance that there are any tetanus spores in the wound. As others have said, watch for increasing redness and fever.

I know the horrifying feeling of seeing something protruding from your child's body! :eek:

Cindy

[Gretchen in NJ]

His pediatrician said to soak it in hot water (you may add salt if you wish) a few times a day. Do NOT apply antibiotic ointments or liquid band-aides as the wound needs air on the off chance that there are any tetanus spores in the wound. As others have said, watch for increasing redness and fever.

I know the horrifying feeling of seeing something protruding from your child's body! :eek:

Cindy
:iagree: Apple cider vinegar added to the water works well too. You will want to avoid antibiotic ointments to avoid a staph infection. The latest staph is resistant to over the counter ointments.

Gretchen