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Suggest Treatment For Minor Scratch From Unvaccinated Dog
Question: Hi there, my friend and I feed some hungry abandoned dogs when we get the opportunity. Today when my friend put the food down two of the dogs had a scrap and my friend got a superficial scratch on her finger. Not much blood but skin was broken. Cleaned and washed it. No inflammation or redness or soreness around site. But some 8 hours later her right foot is pianful near ankle and she cant walk on it. Can this be linked to the dog scratch? Please advise as we are worried. We are thinking it may be the onset of MS?
Brief Answer:
consult a physician.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Healthcare Magic .
I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.
Sometimes even minor scratches from unvacinated dogs can lead to complications.
Since it was an abandoned dog most likely it is unvaccinated dog.
In this case Tetanus vaccine and Anti-rabies vaccine might be necessary.
Your friend should consult her doctor and verify if she is up to date with her Tetanus vaccines and after evaluating the wound her doctor may decide if she need another tetanus shot and anti-rabies vaccine.
Usually if it has been more then 5 years since her last Tetanus shot she may need to get another shot now.
Most probably she may need anti-rabies vaccination since you don't now the status of this dog and you can't monitor him.
Rabies and Tetanus are serious ,life threatening infections so I don't suggest to take the risk.
Consult a physician right away.
Since the scratch happened in her hand ,it doesn't explain the painful ankle.
She may have strained her ankle.She can take Ibuprofen for the pain.
If MS in your query refers to Multiple Sclerosis there is no single reason why you should think about this.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
consult a physician.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Healthcare Magic .
I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.
Sometimes even minor scratches from unvacinated dogs can lead to complications.
Since it was an abandoned dog most likely it is unvaccinated dog.
In this case Tetanus vaccine and Anti-rabies vaccine might be necessary.
Your friend should consult her doctor and verify if she is up to date with her Tetanus vaccines and after evaluating the wound her doctor may decide if she need another tetanus shot and anti-rabies vaccine.
Usually if it has been more then 5 years since her last Tetanus shot she may need to get another shot now.
Most probably she may need anti-rabies vaccination since you don't now the status of this dog and you can't monitor him.
Rabies and Tetanus are serious ,life threatening infections so I don't suggest to take the risk.
Consult a physician right away.
Since the scratch happened in her hand ,it doesn't explain the painful ankle.
She may have strained her ankle.She can take Ibuprofen for the pain.
If MS in your query refers to Multiple Sclerosis there is no single reason why you should think about this.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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