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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should Rabies Shot Be Taken For A Small Scratch By A Dog?

I was scratched by my grandma s dog s nail two days ago(she doesn t remember if he is vaccinated, he s about 2 years old). It s very small, about 1 cm in diameter. There wasnt any bleeding. Now its not swollen , it doesn t hurt even when i touch it. Its not red near it, and it looks like its healing. I got a tetanus shot four years ago, but not a rabies shot. Should i be worried ? Thank you
Mon, 31 Aug 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,

Rabies vaccine should be taken within 24 hours,but it can be taken 48 hours after incident of bite or even nail scratch by animal like dog or cat.

In your case,the vaccine should be taken to be in a safer side.

However,rabies is extremely rare today and vaccine is indicated unless wild or more suspicious animal bites or scratches you.

Do,there is no need to be worry much as rabies is rare in nowadays.

Symptoms usually occur within 5 days, and some signs would be felt within 2 days. Symptoms include fevers, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, flu.

In addition,if the animal would show signs of rabies already then i would advice you to take vaccine.

I am giving you the vaccine schedule which may be helpful to you along with other medications which your doctor might have prescribed to you.

1) Inj rabipur on days 0,3,7,14 and 28.

Day 0 is the day of first shot of vaccine.
to be taken on to the shoulder by intramuscular route.

2) Inj.tetanus toxoid 1 ampoule at Intramuscularly once only which you have already taken.

3) Inj.Diclofenac for pain relief (If there is pain)

4) If there is swelling then it should be washed with sterile water and antiseptic solution.

You can be given small course of oral antibiotics like Tab.droxyl 500.

Kindly consult some local doctor or surgeon for complete vaccination.

Regards,
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Should Rabies Shot Be Taken For A Small Scratch By A Dog?

Hi, Welcome to health care magic, Rabies vaccine should be taken within 24 hours,but it can be taken 48 hours after incident of bite or even nail scratch by animal like dog or cat. In your case,the vaccine should be taken to be in a safer side. However,rabies is extremely rare today and vaccine is indicated unless wild or more suspicious animal bites or scratches you. Do,there is no need to be worry much as rabies is rare in nowadays. Symptoms usually occur within 5 days, and some signs would be felt within 2 days. Symptoms include fevers, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, flu. In addition,if the animal would show signs of rabies already then i would advice you to take vaccine. I am giving you the vaccine schedule which may be helpful to you along with other medications which your doctor might have prescribed to you. 1) Inj rabipur on days 0,3,7,14 and 28. Day 0 is the day of first shot of vaccine. to be taken on to the shoulder by intramuscular route. 2) Inj.tetanus toxoid 1 ampoule at Intramuscularly once only which you have already taken. 3) Inj.Diclofenac for pain relief (If there is pain) 4) If there is swelling then it should be washed with sterile water and antiseptic solution. You can be given small course of oral antibiotics like Tab.droxyl 500. Kindly consult some local doctor or surgeon for complete vaccination. Regards,