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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For A Dog Bite?

my dog bit my hand 2 days ago ... now my hand is swollen, feels warm to the touch (the back of it) and a small amount of puss is oozing from the initial bite wound ... I have some antibiotics left over from a previous injury that I am taking ... however my hand had quite a bit of swelling from yesterday to today ... the bite is inbetween my right index knuckle and the 'middle' finger knuckle, a little closer to the index finger knuckle ... I have been putting hydrogen peroxide on it since it was bitten also,..the first day the redness was about 1 1/2 inches in diameter .. the next day (now) the redness is all the way down to my right wrist and whereas my hand was only slightly swollen, I can see that it is swollen all across the back of my hand now ... however the redness is not as intense as it was yesterday, but the swelling has expanded ... given that I am taking antibiotics and still treating with hydrogen peroxide do I have anything to really worry about ... if so, when do I make the call to go see a regular physician ..?
Mon, 21 Apr 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,

Rabies is 100% fatal but it is 100% preventable with proper and adequate treatment. As the dog which has bit the bite is in between the right index knuckle and the middle finger knuckle, a little closer to the index finger knuckle.

As the redness is all the way down to your right wrist and whereas your hand was only slightly swollen it suggest me that you are having cellulitis of the affected area, so i suggest you to take both the vaccine and the serum.

Antirabies vaccine should be taken on days 0,3,7,14 and 28. The vaccine should be taken to the deltoid by intramuscular route.

The antirabies serum or rabies immunoglobulin should be taken around the wound as early as possible.

I would suggest you to follow aforementioned treatment as soon as possible by contacting your doctor.
Thank you.
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What Is The Treatment For A Dog Bite?

Hello, Welcome to HCM, Rabies is 100% fatal but it is 100% preventable with proper and adequate treatment. As the dog which has bit the bite is in between the right index knuckle and the middle finger knuckle, a little closer to the index finger knuckle. As the redness is all the way down to your right wrist and whereas your hand was only slightly swollen it suggest me that you are having cellulitis of the affected area, so i suggest you to take both the vaccine and the serum. Antirabies vaccine should be taken on days 0,3,7,14 and 28. The vaccine should be taken to the deltoid by intramuscular route. The antirabies serum or rabies immunoglobulin should be taken around the wound as early as possible. I would suggest you to follow aforementioned treatment as soon as possible by contacting your doctor. Thank you.