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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Anti-rabies Vaccination Required For A Minor Scratch By A Stray Dog?

A stray dog tried to bite me on my leg. I was wearing jeans. There was no bleeding but i got a minor scratch on leg ( its very minor / minutly red as if blood has dried) i cleaned it with alcohal and i felt the alcohal effect while applying on this minor wound. Do i need yo take anti rabies. Is tetanus shot is good for this
Tue, 28 Feb 2017
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
Since it is a stray dog it is not possible to know whether it is rabid or not.
Since you felt the sting when cleaning with alcohol, the skin has been broken and you are at risk of getting rabies if the dog was rabid.
Therefore it is advisable to vaccinate yourself against rabies.
Since you have done very good cleaning and the bite is not a severe one, passive immunisation with antirabies immunoglobulin is not required.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
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Is Anti-rabies Vaccination Required For A Minor Scratch By A Stray Dog?

Hello, Welcome and thanks for your query. Since it is a stray dog it is not possible to know whether it is rabid or not. Since you felt the sting when cleaning with alcohol, the skin has been broken and you are at risk of getting rabies if the dog was rabid. Therefore it is advisable to vaccinate yourself against rabies. Since you have done very good cleaning and the bite is not a severe one, passive immunisation with antirabies immunoglobulin is not required. Do get back to me if you have further queries.