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

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.
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.
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.
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


Ok
I have doctor appointment tomorrow morning. Is that okay?
I have doctor appointment tomorrow morning. Is that okay?
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
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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