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Hi There, When I Was Outside Today Walking My Dog
Question: Hi there,
When I was outside today walking my dog I felt what felt like a sting on the back of my ankle but then I looked immediately at it and there were no marks and no bats around that were to be seen. would I likely know if it was a bat that bit my ankle since I was awake? The pain lasted like less than a second. Do you think I’m okay?
When I was outside today walking my dog I felt what felt like a sting on the back of my ankle but then I looked immediately at it and there were no marks and no bats around that were to be seen. would I likely know if it was a bat that bit my ankle since I was awake? The pain lasted like less than a second. Do you think I’m okay?
Brief Answer:
I think you are ok, it is unlikely a bat would attack this way
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a doctor service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
I would like to assure you that you are okay and there is nothing to worry about this. It is unlikely you were bit by a bat at the lower area of your leg (ankle) while walking.
- Bats fly and one would expect that if one was around it is unlikely to be flying at that level
- remember bats come in contact with us by accident, normally they do not purposefully attack us in an open environment
- It is not a normal behavior for a bat to shortly come and bite humans. If a bat was attacking you, in case there was even the smallest chance for this, you would be aware as you would have seen him.
I notice you have a fear of bats (bat phobia). If you think this is affecting your ability to handle and enjoy your daily life, you may need some help. Counseling and systematic desensitization are the most used treatments for fobias in general, and can be of great help in your case as well.
To conclude:
- I would say there is nothing to worry about this episode of burning pain in your ankle. There is almost no way you were shortly bit by a bat at your ankle while going for a walk. It is unlikely you would have not seen a bat biting you in that case.
- You may need to look for good counseling services near you (your GP may help you to identify a good one). Counseling helps patients to undertsand and better handle their fears. Systematic desensitization is another method that can be used.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
I think you are ok, it is unlikely a bat would attack this way
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a doctor service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
I would like to assure you that you are okay and there is nothing to worry about this. It is unlikely you were bit by a bat at the lower area of your leg (ankle) while walking.
- Bats fly and one would expect that if one was around it is unlikely to be flying at that level
- remember bats come in contact with us by accident, normally they do not purposefully attack us in an open environment
- It is not a normal behavior for a bat to shortly come and bite humans. If a bat was attacking you, in case there was even the smallest chance for this, you would be aware as you would have seen him.
I notice you have a fear of bats (bat phobia). If you think this is affecting your ability to handle and enjoy your daily life, you may need some help. Counseling and systematic desensitization are the most used treatments for fobias in general, and can be of great help in your case as well.
To conclude:
- I would say there is nothing to worry about this episode of burning pain in your ankle. There is almost no way you were shortly bit by a bat at your ankle while going for a walk. It is unlikely you would have not seen a bat biting you in that case.
- You may need to look for good counseling services near you (your GP may help you to identify a good one). Counseling helps patients to undertsand and better handle their fears. Systematic desensitization is another method that can be used.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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