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Can Accidental Self Prick With Dog's Insulin Cause Any Danger?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014
Question: I pricked myself with my dog's insulin needle last night after I gave him his shot and am worried I could have transferred a disease etc to me. He is disease free other than diabetes, up to date on rabies shots and heartworm, etc
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No significant risk concerning blood borne disease

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing in to us.

As of the present day medical knowledge, there are no common pathogens in pets that are transmitted by contact with blood and that are a significant concern in people. Insulin needles are thin bore and I suppose you did not have much bleeding or tissue injury.

Various types of infectious, allergic and other reactions can occur, and serious consequences, while rare, can develop like local inflammation, abscess formation, joint infection, localized necrosis, skin slough, local nerve damage, brucellosis, severe allergic reactions but these are usually in the field of regular veterinary practice and not seen in needlestick injuries concerning vaccinated pets.

Some precautions you may follow are:
1. Make sure your pet is well restrained
2. Never recap needle, dispose it immediately
3. Never leave an uncapped needle lying around
4. Never put a needle in your pocket
5. Never put needles in your regular garbage

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any further doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)
It bled a very little bit and I actually squeezed it a bit to get more blood out thinking that was ok. If that is not of any more concern than I will just watch it to make sure it doesn't get infected. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Adequate steps taken but watch promptly

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in with an update.

You have taken adequate measures to minimize any further risk by squeezing the blood and applying peroxide and bacitracin.

I recommend you apply bacitracin as follows:
Wash your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. Then gently apply a small amount of medication (no more than can fit on your finger tip) in a thin layer, usually 1 to 3 times a day or as directed by your doctor.

You may watch for any increase in pain or discoloration in the region and if present please consult your doctor immediately.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any further doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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Can Accidental Self Prick With Dog's Insulin Cause Any Danger?

Brief Answer: No significant risk concerning blood borne disease Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in to us. As of the present day medical knowledge, there are no common pathogens in pets that are transmitted by contact with blood and that are a significant concern in people. Insulin needles are thin bore and I suppose you did not have much bleeding or tissue injury. Various types of infectious, allergic and other reactions can occur, and serious consequences, while rare, can develop like local inflammation, abscess formation, joint infection, localized necrosis, skin slough, local nerve damage, brucellosis, severe allergic reactions but these are usually in the field of regular veterinary practice and not seen in needlestick injuries concerning vaccinated pets. Some precautions you may follow are: 1. Make sure your pet is well restrained 2. Never recap needle, dispose it immediately 3. Never leave an uncapped needle lying around 4. Never put a needle in your pocket 5. Never put needles in your regular garbage Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any further doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek