Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Child Got Scratched By A Dog In The Ear Causing Bleeding. Should Injections Be Given Immediately?
Hello, need help here. My son was scratched by a dog in his ear this morning and we only found out just this evening. It was wounded and was bleeding and we have washed it with soap and put Betadine on it just this evening. The scratch happened while my son is playing with the puppy (approximately 3 monthls old). Should I immediately have my son be injected with anti- rabies injection?
Tue, 27 Aug 2013
hello and welcome to HCM,
There are two aspects to your sons treatment.
First his primary treatment:
1. Get an ENT consult to rule out any injury to the drum and initiate treatment if necessary
2. Start medications and keep the ear clean and dry
About the dog injury related treatment:
1. If you are very sure that the dog scratched the ear only with the nail or paws and did not bite the ear (that is the dogs saliva has no way of coming in contact with your sons wound); then you may wait and watch as the rabies virus spread only by body secretions such as saliva and a bite is the way of spread.
2. If you are doubtful that the injury may have been caused by bite then you need to consult your pediatrician who will decide the best course of treatment.
3. In any case make sure you observe the dog for the next two weeks for any signs of rabies like altered mood, excessive salivation, aggressiveness, and or if he dies without any obvious reason
in either case be more cautious and give an injection TT if not given earlier
take care
Dr Sriram Nathan
There are two aspects to your sons treatment.
First his primary treatment:
1. Get an ENT consult to rule out any injury to the drum and initiate treatment if necessary
2. Start medications and keep the ear clean and dry
About the dog injury related treatment:
1. If you are very sure that the dog scratched the ear only with the nail or paws and did not bite the ear (that is the dogs saliva has no way of coming in contact with your sons wound); then you may wait and watch as the rabies virus spread only by body secretions such as saliva and a bite is the way of spread.
2. If you are doubtful that the injury may have been caused by bite then you need to consult your pediatrician who will decide the best course of treatment.
3. In any case make sure you observe the dog for the next two weeks for any signs of rabies like altered mood, excessive salivation, aggressiveness, and or if he dies without any obvious reason
in either case be more cautious and give an injection TT if not given earlier
take care
Dr Sriram Nathan
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Rabies
Loading Online Doctors....