most helpful answer a few facts: tetanus is rare but if you got it it is nearly 100% fatal. tetanus is usually not caused by surface wounds but deeper tissue wounds. tetanus vaccine is 100% protective for 10 years -- a small price to pay for this type of insurance. i am pleased that you cleaned the wound carefully since tetanus shots do not prevent wound infections. although i cannot see if your finger needed stitches or not if it is over 8 hours it cannot be sutured. it will need to heal from the inside out. you need to use an antibacterial ointment or cream and observe for signs of infection (redness pus increased tenderness swelling) and see your medical provider if this happens. i vote for the tetanus shot. if it doesn't help you for this wound it least it will help you over the next ten years. your pharmacist may be able to give it to you if this service is provided there. if you decide not to get it that would need to be your decision.
i got a semi-deep cut slicing my finger on a can of wet cat food. how important is a tetanus shot really? . it filled with the wet food but i quickly washed it with soap sprayed it with anti bacterial spray & put a bandage on it. this was yesterday morning. tonight i can still pull the wound apart & see into the layers of skin. i was told by a pharmacist when i asked what i could use to seal my skin shut to get a tetanus shot. i thought that was more for outside wounds like rusty nails & dirt. does a can a cat food really need one or is it just to cover bases but most likely i will be fine?