Suggest Treatment For Dog Scratch

Posted on Fri, 24 Apr 2015

Question: Hi doctor yesterday when I was on my way dog scratches his feet on me do I need injection

Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Vaccination required with thorough cleaning of wound

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to health care magic.

I understand your concern regarding exposure to rabies.

Details about the vaccination status of the dog is important here.

If the dog was a stray, then vaccination should be started immediately.

According to WHO, contact with suspected rabid animals is categorized into three groups.

Category I - touching or feeding animals, licks on intact skin

For this category no treatment or vaccination is required.

Category II - nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding

This category requires immediate vaccination and local treatment of the wound.

Category III - single or multiple deep bites or scratches, licks on broken skin; contamination of mucous membrane with saliva from licks, contacts with bats.

This category requires vaccination and local infiltration of immunoglobulins.

According to the details provided by you in your query, your wound comes under category II which requires immediate vaccination and local treatment of wound.

I suggest you clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water.

Vaccinations have to be taken on 0 - first dose, then on 3rd day, 7th day, 14th day and 28th day after exposure.

Get in touch with your GP and start the vaccination as soon as possible.

I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Please get back if any more queries.

Thanks.

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