Scratched by rabbit at petting zoo...Tetanus risk?

[serendipitous]

My 3 year old is not vaccinated. He tried to pick up a rabbit at a petting zoo and got 2 long scratches on his face. They were deep enough to where you could see the line of blood underneath but it never actually "bled" out. We didn't do anything right away because we didn't notice how pronounced it was, but about 30 minutes later put some hydrogen peroxide and neosporin on it (did not clean with water). I talked with the owner of the petting zoo and she said the animals are raised domestically and kept fairly clean, up to date on shots, etc. But when you have all those animals there in a closed environment all day, wouldn't that be kind of hard to keep clean? They must be going to the bathroom right there amongst everything? And doesn't tetanus live in feces? Anyway, I am worried that there is a risk of tetanus especially, or any other bacteria. Should I be concerned? Did I clean it enough, and in time to kill any potential bacteria?

[carriebft]

I have read reports of animal scratches and tetanus, but they seem very very rare in children. bacterial infection of other kinds is a lot more common.

You can always take your child in and get TIG, which would be the course of action taken with an unvaccinated child at risk of infection from a bite, scratch or injury. They might try to also push the T vaccine on you because they two have been shown to work best together and to help with more delayed onset, but just stick to your guns.

[mattemma04]

Rabbits are in their poo and urine.We have one.I have been bit.Bacterial issues are a concern. I would opt for more wound cleaning and antibacterial cream.Give your child some immune boosting vitC,zinc,echinacea gummis.I get mine from walmart.

I would not opt for TIG,but that is your call. Tet is a concern of mine to this day,and a vaccine I struggle with.

Speedy healing for your little one

Do you have the Smart Medicine Book by Janet ZAND? There is a tetanus page,which might be listed online at http://www.healthy.net