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Suggest Treatment For Dog Scratch

Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014

Question: I got scratched on the inside of my arm by my pet dog(8 months). He's received his vaccinations. and the next round is due only next year. the scratch area was red and swollen yesterday, with the skin broken on the surface. today its not that bad, still red but going down and healing. i went and got a TT vaccination. But do I need to be worried about anything else?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Its preferable to go for vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms XXXXXXX

Although unvaccinated animals are more likely to transmit rabies, vaccinated animals can also do so if the vaccination of the biting animal was ineffective for any reason. A history of rabies vaccination in an animal is not always a guarantee that the biting animal is not rabid. Animal vaccine failures may occur because of improper administration or poor quality of the vaccine, poor health status of the animal, and the fact that one vaccine dose does not always provide long-lasting protection against infection in dogs.

The treatment should be started immediately after the bite. The treatment may be modified if animal involved remains healthy throughout the observation period of 10 days by converting post-exposure prophylaxis to pre-exposure vaccination by skipping the vaccine dose on day 14 and administering it on day 28 while using Schedule.

I would suggest you to get vaccinated, considering the risk of getting rabies is far greater than minor adverse side effects of vaccination. Remember Rabies is 100% fatal.

In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (24 minutes later)

I get scratched yesterday morning at 11 am. Is it already too late to go in for vaccination if I go tomorrow morning?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get vaccinated at earliest

Detailed Answer:
Namasthe
Greetings

Getting vaccinated at the earliest is important, sooner the better. Get it at the earliest if possible, visit the out patient department or emergency care.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (5 minutes later)

I had forgotten to add that this was a nail scratch, does scratch. Does that make any difference?

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Scratch or bite both require immunization

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings,
Scratch or bite with broken skin is class III exposure and definitely requires Rabies vaccination.
Suggest you to get the vaccination.

Take Care
Regards
Dr T Shobha

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar