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
Scratched By Puppy. No Anti Rabies Vaccination Been Given To Puppy. Slight Swelling And No Deep Cut. Chances Of Rabies?
Hi
My son, aged 11 y/o was lightly scratched on the cheek with our puppy (2 1/2 months old) when playing accidentally. Since the puppy is still too young, no anti rabies shots have yet been administered.
I can see that there is a wound as there was "light blood" in the area. Light meaning the wound is not deep enough to cause it to drip or even bulge out that you could wipe it off. Minor swelling (not sure of the term) has occured similar to a mosquito bite.
We have washed it with soap.
My question, Is there a risk of rabies?
My son, aged 11 y/o was lightly scratched on the cheek with our puppy (2 1/2 months old) when playing accidentally. Since the puppy is still too young, no anti rabies shots have yet been administered.
I can see that there is a wound as there was "light blood" in the area. Light meaning the wound is not deep enough to cause it to drip or even bulge out that you could wipe it off. Minor swelling (not sure of the term) has occured similar to a mosquito bite.
We have washed it with soap.
My question, Is there a risk of rabies?
Thu, 29 Aug 2013
Hi,
Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.
Scratch by unvaccinated puppy is a risk for rabies and as it is on cheek the risk further increases.
What I advise you is to offer anti rabies vaccination to the child.
The puppy should be observed for any symptoms of rabies for a minimum of 10 days from the scratch.
If the puppy is healthy even after this duration, the remaining shots van be avoided with the doctor advise.
Check for tetanus toxoid update and if it is due a shot of tetanus toxoid is required.
Consult his doctor for further advise.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards.
Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.
Scratch by unvaccinated puppy is a risk for rabies and as it is on cheek the risk further increases.
What I advise you is to offer anti rabies vaccination to the child.
The puppy should be observed for any symptoms of rabies for a minimum of 10 days from the scratch.
If the puppy is healthy even after this duration, the remaining shots van be avoided with the doctor advise.
Check for tetanus toxoid update and if it is due a shot of tetanus toxoid is required.
Consult his doctor for further advise.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
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 Tetanus
Loading Online Doctors....