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What Causes Tingling Of Arms And Fatigue After A Vaccinated Dog Bite?

Posted on Mon, 21 Jul 2014

Question: I live in XXXXXXX arizona. Suffered a dog bite 15 days ago ( will attach picture). Dog has been vaccinated against rabies and i have assurances from fog owner since and begore yhe dog bite the animal has scted wuite normally. About 12 hours after the dog bite i noticed a twitching feeling in my leg that seems to be worse on some days snd yhen not so bad on others. I am concerned miw that i feel like i have that sensation moving up to my thigh and hamstring with occassionsl small spasms. I hsve even noticed thus feeling on my non injured leg. I got tetanys shot 1 day after the bite snd then noticed a burning in my neck yhe golowing day. For next several days my arms were tingling and feeling fatigued. That went aeay until the other dsy i had my right shoulder ferling extremely wesk with a deep burn. Shot was in the left shoulder. I have been reassured by two veterinarians and my pc doctor that there is no posdible rsbies exposure sonce ghe dog was up to date on vsccines and we are passed the 10 day observation period. I still have thus fear considering the sympyoms that i was somehow exposed to rabies. There has never been a case of rabies in the u.s. When the attacking animsl passed thr quarantine period so i realize my fear is irrationdl but i cant get it out of my mind. I took sugmentin, flagyl, flexeril for a few dsys and niw tske valium, dexomethisone and am starting lexipro. I dont undrstand why ghe twitching feeling isnt going away. Someone told me posdible nerve damage or irritation is the cause znd cznt be rabies. Any ghoughts appreciated. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You don't have Rabies

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic,

I have gone through your history, symptoms and other details including the picture sent by you. The symptoms suggest me that you don't have rabies and there is no need to worry.

As the dog has received anti rabies vaccine recently and you have observed the dog for 10 days and found it healthy suggest that it is unlikely that dog has rabies.

Your symptoms may be due to injury to the nerves and muscles following bite and I can assure you that symptoms will improve in few days with the treatment you have received.

I hope you are satisfied with the answer. If you have any further query feel free to post them.
Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Praveen G (43 hours later)

Thank you. I have called my county animal control and state of arizona game and fish dept and they assure no need to worry about rabies given circumstances. Havevyou ever heard of a dog passing quarantine but still able to pass rabies through a bite? If I wasnt having these strange ringles and twitching thtoughout my legs and arms and neck i souldnt even be concerned about rabies. There just has to be donething else going on in my body caysing these alight twitches of muscles. I have noticed me hamstring a bit sore with a slight burn to it past few days. Any idea about that. It us on the dog bite leg. Thank you .

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anxiety regarding rabies

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

It is my pleasure to answer your query,

Chances of rabies after quarantine period is almost nil. So do not be worried.

The symptoms are due to the injuries following by the bite. The swelling has led to excess pressure on the nerve and the vessel causing these symptoms.

I can assure you that these are not the symptoms of rabies and you are most likely anxious about this. Still if the twitching is persisting, I would suggest you to consult a neurologist for physical examination and finding the reason for the same.

Thank you.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad