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Suggest Treatment For Nail Scratch

Posted on Mon, 14 Apr 2014

Question: Hi I have a 3 year old lab who has been regularly vaccinated for anti-rabies. Today, while playing with my 10yrs old daughter he accidently scratched her. So, do I need to take her for anti-rabies vaccination

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: relax. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. I understand your concern. Please let me know which area is scratched and is there any bleeding.

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

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (45 minutes later)

She has been scratched on the hand with no bleeding but a red coloured rash

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: Thanks for your follow up. Since rabies is an fatal disease so no chance should be taken. This comes under category 2 exposure. I suggest you to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and flush under running water for 10 minutes. Give rabies vaccine as per schedule that is 0,3,7,14 and 28. Observe dog for 10 days and in case he is active no need of giving remaining doses. Hope this helps. Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (12 minutes later)

Thanks for the reply doctor. But, my dog has also once accidently scratched me while playing with me. That happened nearly 2 year ago. I am fine now and have no problem. My reason of asking you this is because my daughter being only 10yrs old is scared of injections and taking 4 injections would be really difficult. Secondly, since our dog live with us and he plays with my children and myself there are always chances of getting scratches so is it necessary that everytime he scratch any of my family member. we need to take vaccination. I thought giving regular anti-rabies vaccination to your dog make him free of any chances of him getting any rabies. Please clarify. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: Thanks again. Post exposure Prophylaxis may be deferred only if pet has vaccination certificate indicating that it has received at least of two potent vaccines first one not earlier than 3 months of age and second within 6 to 12 months of first dose and in the past one year. If vaccination is deferred pet should be observed for 10 days and if dog shows any sign of illness during the observation period get your child full course of vaccine. Hope this helps. Take care..

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

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (18 minutes later)

So, what sign of illness will my dog will exhibit after 10 days, if infected with rabies. So, is it ok if my daughter takes vaccination when my dog shows sign of rabies?

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer: see below. Detailed Answer: Initally there will be change in behaviour in dog. Unprovoked bite is usually seen. In case any of such symptom is seen contact you vet immediately. Yes you can deferr vaccination in your child for 10days. Kindly be careful while handling your pets. Take care...

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