The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: jacoblambuk on September 08, 2013, 02:29:04 pm
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Hi I've just been giving my sheep there 2 nd heptavac-p plus injection i pricked my self with the needle as far as i now i didn't injected but since then my hand has been saw and i have a job moving my fingers mind i could have knocked it while doing the sheep the packageing only says seek medical help but i can't be the only one.
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I wouldn't imagine that the hep-p would do you any harm, the problem could come from the wound itself, it could have become infected. Are your tetanus shots up to date? :unwell:
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I did the same and had the same symptoms. It was fine in a day or two. I put it down to the needle rather than the Heptavac but if you are worried, call NHS 24. Better safe than sorry.
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There's two problems with injecting yourself with a vaccine
One is the vaccine itself - basically it's something that is MEANT to create an immune reaction, and if you have an immune reaction under your skin, that's inflammation, ie. redness, heat, swelling, pain.
Second is that the needle is likely to have been used in an animal, and so is not likely to be clean, so may introduce dirt/bacteria etc., which can cause an infection in the bit that was injected, which can become an abscess.
Anything like this in the hand area, where injections can end up very close to bone, joints and tendons is VERY serious. Inflammation or infection in your joints, tendons etc, could mean loss of use of hands.
I would be going to see the doctor first thing on monday at the very least, if you are struggling to move your fingers, I would strongly recommend A&E.
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I've had a shot in my leg (thanks pardner ::)) and it stung like heck - so now I am sympathetic when it makes the sheep jump! But I tell them it will wear off quickly :D.
However, fsmnutter's a vet and if she thinks you should take it seriously in your situation, then I would urge you to take her advice. Please let us know how you come on.
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I think i will see the doctor in the morning you cannot see where the needle went in i can move fingers but you would think i had hit it with a hammer i know i didn't inject but you never know what was on the needle i wouldn't of cared it was the first one I'm using a gun like vaccinator but the needle shows.
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Like most shepherds I am also fully covered against clostridial diseases... ;) . But I would think it is most likely that you got some muck into the wound, either from the needle or from handling more sheep afterwards. If still swollen in the morning I would go to see the doctor, but mine have always sorted itself by 24 hours.
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I will see what its like in the morning mind I'm probably like most after i pricked my self i wiped the blood off and got on again it was only a while later i thought i must have knocked or twisted my hand only my left hand but i had the vaccinator in my right hand this is the first year i have done my sheep i have had them for adleast 5 year just i had a problem with one and the vet said to get them treated the only thing is they have so much wool on there necks its difficult.
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Hi there,
I did the same thing as yourself, only scraped the needle on my skin - no broken skin- didn't actually inject the stuff. I ended up going to A&E (as I have a poor immune system) and my hand swelled up and was stiff.
Out come was - 8hrs in A&E a up to date tetnus jab (doesn't hurt like the old ones :innocent: :innocent: ) and a doctor who wasn't sure how to treat my problem. A course of penicillin - just in case.....!!!
Took a few days to go down, and then back to normal. But they(A&E) said to watch for the redness in my arm and if it starts to go upwards then get back into A&E quick..
I now make sure I've surgical gloves on - just in case, it is another barrier for the needle to pierce.
OH and I not had pulpy kidney - black legs - or red water :-J :-J
Best of luck
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If I get even a small prick from a needle in passing I always squeeze out as much blood as possible to flush it from the inside to outside, then rinse it off straight away.
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Hi just to update i went to the doctors they gave me antibiotics and a tesnice jab my hand is still swollen but its getting better i saw i had pricked myself but i just wiped the blood off and got on withit big strong lad well i know next time
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I think its just as well that you went to the docs. hope the hand is better soon