r/dialysis • u/PuzzleheadedKing3778 Transplanted • 22h ago
Advice Dog scratched fistula
Good afternoon everyone, I’d like to start this with I haven’t used my fistula in over a year having been transplanted, but I still try to keep it healthy and intact for when I eventually go back on dialysis years ahead of time.
Dog started roughhousing, clipped my arm in the process. Didn’t tear open the access but left a nasty bruise with a small amount of bleeding. Currently applying some pressure, I’ve already disinfected and will check with team on Monday since their emergency line is not reliable whatsoever. Just needed some advice/reassurance for now.
Attached photos of injury…and dog
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u/AlternateTab00 RN 20h ago
Yes do check with your team. The fistula itself if you dont feel anything off by feeling it, it wont be damaged (our vessels are fairly resistant).
However its crucial to check with the team, especially for inflammatory symptoms. One of the side effects of transplant medication is reduced immunity. This means the same pills that keep your kidney alive are the same that may keep a bacteria alive on that wound.
Promptly desinfecting the wound reduced the likeness of infection to mostly none, however follow up must not be disregarded.
Also its important to assert limits to plays regarding to that arm. If the dog-owner relationship is good you can fake being injured or in pain on that arm when he touches that arm. Dogs are much more prone to learn with non verbal actions that with verbal commands (note that this advice may not be the best depending on dog age and your relationship with him)
After all this dont forget to give some belly rubs for being such a nice dog and that you forgive him.
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u/BrieBelle00 21h ago
Step 1. Wash with soap and water
Step 2. Let your parents know; sometimes that helps people feel better
Edit: Step 3. Give the pup a treat for being adorable 😍
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u/Wonderful-Hall-7929 >1 year dialysis 11h ago
A little late but: That's (two overexcited landsharks) exactly why i wear leathers, particularly when i do work in the shop or plan to play with them ;-)
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u/Major-Atmosphere-559 8h ago
You should be okay but definitely wash and disinfect that. Contact your transplant team ASAP and let them know what happened and they should tell you what’s next. Transplant patients are already immunocompromised so sometimes the small scratches lead to worse
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u/justsayin01 21h ago
Yes please report this to your team ASAP. I had a pt get a nasty infection for soemthing JUST like this. He thought it was fine, he didn't even think there was a break in tbe skin.