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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do I Need Rabies Vaccine After Small Scratch From A Pet Dog?

i got a small scratch(from teeth) on my hand from a pet dog of my friend 3 days back. It did not bleed.
But today the area around the place where i got scratched appears to have turned blackish.
Do i need a rabies vaccine?
Should i consult my family doctor ?
Mon, 12 May 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,

Rabies is a disease which is also transmitted by bite of the monkey, it is a 100% fatal disease but it is 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment.

As you were bit by a dog on the hand and it has not led to any bleeding, according to WHO categorizes it has been categorized into Cat II.

Cat II requires active immunization with antirabies vaccine on days 0,3,7,14 and 28 (if the dog is healthy you can stop the vaccine after the third dose). The vaccine should be taken to the shoulder by the intramuscular route.You need to take a shot of tetanus injection too.

The aforementioned treatment will protect you against developing the disease rabies.
Thank you.
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Do I Need Rabies Vaccine After Small Scratch From A Pet Dog?

Hello, Welcome to HCM, Rabies is a disease which is also transmitted by bite of the monkey, it is a 100% fatal disease but it is 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment. As you were bit by a dog on the hand and it has not led to any bleeding, according to WHO categorizes it has been categorized into Cat II. Cat II requires active immunization with antirabies vaccine on days 0,3,7,14 and 28 (if the dog is healthy you can stop the vaccine after the third dose). The vaccine should be taken to the shoulder by the intramuscular route.You need to take a shot of tetanus injection too. The aforementioned treatment will protect you against developing the disease rabies. Thank you.