What happens when we get bit?

By - Jim, Manager

One of the occupational hazards our team faces daily is bites from our patients.  Unfortunately, while we’re all highly trained and take considerable precautions, there is always the risk.  Should any animal bite one of our staff and the bite breaks the skin, we’re required to report that bite.  Chapter 381, Florida Statutes & Chapter 64D-3, Florida Administrative Code requires that all bites be reported to the Department of Health. 

If the bite is serious enough to require medical care, the hospital is also required to report the bite unless evidence of a bite report already having been filed has been provided.  The hospital may file their own report in addition to the initial one with the Department of Health.  Of course, we have no control over the actions of the hospital.

Once the bite report is taken by Osceola County Animal Services, an Animal Control Officer will work with the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County to determine the best course of action.  The concern is that the person who was bitten may have been exposed to rabies.  Since humans do not show symptoms of rabies until it has progressed too far for treatment, this is a serious situation.  In fact, once rabies symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal to humans!  For this reason, the Department of Health will attempt to determine whether the biting pet carries rabies.  The most common result of any animal bite is for the animal to be quarantined.  However, there are instances where more severe outcomes are possible.

Bellalago Veterinary Hospital prides itself on advocating for the best interests of the animal.  As such, we will provide accurate medical records and supporting documents that aid the Animal Control Officer in their investigation.  If you do not wish us to disclose this information without a warrant, we require that you make such wishes known in writing.  It is usually not in the best interests of the animal to withhold relevant medical records from law enforcement.

If the pet’s rabies shot was not administered by one of the veterinarians here at Bellalago Veterinary Hospital, we can only provide copies of the prior records provided to us.  Unfortunately, we cannot vouch that the rabies vaccine was correctly shipped, stored, and administered to be effective.  The veterinarian who provided the shot should be able to assist you by providing adequate records showing the necessary precautions were met.

We strongly recommend complying with Florida Statute Chapter 828 which requires that animals be given and remain up to date on the rabies vaccine.  [It is important to note that Florida does not recognize “titer counts” as an alternative to vaccination.  The only exemption under Florida Statutes is if a veterinarian determines that a vaccination would endanger an animal’s health due to age, infirmity, disability, illness, or other medical considerations.  In such a case, the veterinarian would provide the owner with a written letter certifying this exempt status.  This is rare.]  By keeping your pet up to date on rabies, your animal may qualify for a simple in-home quarantine.  Quarantines outside the home will result in extensive costs to the owner of the animal as well as the pet being out of the home for a considerable time period.  The costs of this quarantine (both financial and emotional) far exceed the costs of keeping a pet up to date on their rabies for their entire lives!  This truly is a situation where prevention costs far less than the alternative!

It is understandable that some people may be upset when their pet bites.  Trust us.  We aren’t happy about it either!  We understand that frustration and work hard to promote everyone’s safety.  If you believe your pet may be a bite risk, please let us know prior to arrival by calling us.  The team can take extra precautions to further minimize risk such as using muzzles (party hats!) and holding the animal separate until the pet can be placed in an examination room.  We can also warn the team to be extra careful if there are particular behaviors which can upset the pet.  Additionally, “chemical restraints” can be prescribed by our veterinarians to make the pet more docile and the trip more pleasurable for everyone.

Our ideal is that no one ever be bitten and our track record is excellent in maintaining that ideal; however, we know that no matter what precautions we take, bites are inevitable.  Having a plan in place, sharing that plan with all parties, and working together to realize the plan are all important!  With your help we can minimize risk and prevent terrible situations from ever occurring in the first place.  Such teamwork to prevent such situations is the embodiment of our hospital motto: Healthy pets. Happy people. Together!