Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Coming In Contact With Saliva Of Dog?
Question: if you are exposed to rabies via saliva exposure to the mucous membranes how should the immunoglobin be administered since there is no bite wound?
Brief Answer:
intramuscularly
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
since there is no wound, only the intramuscular route is feasible. Intramuscular administration is warranted even if there is a wound and the immunoglobulin is injected in the injury site.
Kind Regards!
intramuscularly
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
since there is no wound, only the intramuscular route is feasible. Intramuscular administration is warranted even if there is a wound and the immunoglobulin is injected in the injury site.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so it was okay then that I had immunoglobin injected into my deltoid and quad muscles even though the exposure was a lick from a dog on my lips?
Brief Answer:
yes
Detailed Answer:
You're right...
A dog lick though is not a typical example of rabies exposure! A diseased dog is supposed to bite. Saliva contact with mucosal surfaces may result in trasmission.
Cleaning the area may help to remove infected saliva. Since there is no wound, there is no particular site to choose for immunoglobulin injection but I would suggest trying local 'washing' with immunoglobulin.
Kind Regards!
yes
Detailed Answer:
You're right...
A dog lick though is not a typical example of rabies exposure! A diseased dog is supposed to bite. Saliva contact with mucosal surfaces may result in trasmission.
Cleaning the area may help to remove infected saliva. Since there is no wound, there is no particular site to choose for immunoglobulin injection but I would suggest trying local 'washing' with immunoglobulin.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so what happened is my dog attacked a raccoon and got bit on its paw. my dog licked the wound and then licked my face. I guess there is a possibility she transferred the saliva from her paw to my mouth nose area. not sure how likely that is but I ended up starting the shots.
Brief Answer:
that's hard to say
Detailed Answer:
I can't say if transmission was possible because it's very hard to study double exposure (the dog exposed to the raccoon and then you were exposed to the dog). I guess it's a little difficult for the virus to spread this way but I can't say.
Also the raccoon was provoked, so the bite was not unexpected, which lessens the risk for rabies.
Kind Regards!
that's hard to say
Detailed Answer:
I can't say if transmission was possible because it's very hard to study double exposure (the dog exposed to the raccoon and then you were exposed to the dog). I guess it's a little difficult for the virus to spread this way but I can't say.
Also the raccoon was provoked, so the bite was not unexpected, which lessens the risk for rabies.
Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
