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Is A Tetanus Injection Required After Being Bitten By A Dog?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Sep 2019
Question: Hi!
5 days ago i was playing with my dog. And i got a bite on my thumb just above the nail
The wound is small like a needle point and it bled just a tiny bit.
I washed it with water and then i put some desinfection cream on it and a bandaid
I started reading on Google and found the first sign of tetanus is jaw lock. I dont have that but i feel my jaw, specially right side is a bit weird. I can open mouth and swallow fine. It just feels weird å little
Five days have gone by. And i am worried
I took vaccine 3 times as a youngster 1975 and 1986 and i do belive i took another in the army in 1997
Should i see the doctor or am i just worrying myself for no reason. And would they find if i do have the tentanus and could they do anything when do long time has passed?
The wound is very small and looks okay.
doctor
Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:

Dear sir,

I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but unfortunately your last tetanus toxoid dose was more than ten years ago so it is ineffective. Also, tetanus incubation period is variable and may range from 3 to 21 days so I would recommend that you take a dose of tetanus immunoglobulin if available or tetanus toxoid if not available.
Another thing is that if your dog was not up to date to its anti-rabies vaccination schedule then you must take anti-rabies vaccine as soon as possible in full five doses as Rabies infection is fatal and has no cure.

I hope I answered your question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (22 minutes later)
Ok
I have doctor appointment tomorrow morning. Is that okay?
doctor
Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:

Dear sir,

Hello again. Yes, that would be fine.

If you don't have any other clarifications then please close the discussion.

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. salah saad shoman

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3153 Questions

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Is A Tetanus Injection Required After Being Bitten By A Dog?

Brief Answer: Yes Detailed Answer: Dear sir, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns but unfortunately your last tetanus toxoid dose was more than ten years ago so it is ineffective. Also, tetanus incubation period is variable and may range from 3 to 21 days so I would recommend that you take a dose of tetanus immunoglobulin if available or tetanus toxoid if not available. Another thing is that if your dog was not up to date to its anti-rabies vaccination schedule then you must take anti-rabies vaccine as soon as possible in full five doses as Rabies infection is fatal and has no cure. I hope I answered your question.