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Cat attached with nails
Yesterday a wild cat attacked with nails. Only a little blood came out. I washed with Dettol and applied antiseptic. Last time I took a tetanus injection in 2023. What should I do now?
Answers (24)
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You mentioned that a wild cat scratched you with its nails, causing slight bleeding. You washed the wound with Dettol and applied an antiseptic, which was the correct first step. Since your last tetanus injection was in 2023, you’re already protected against tetanus (booster is needed only every 5–10 years).
However, because the cat was wild and its vaccination status is unknown, there is a potential risk of rabies transmission, even through scratches—especially if the animal’s claws were contaminated with saliva.
Recommended Steps:
1. Wash the wound again thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Visit a nearby hospital or government health center immediately for a doctor’s assessment. And post exposure ARV
You may need to start the rabies post-exposure vaccination series (Anti-Rabies Vaccine - ARV).
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) also be advised due to category 3 wound
3. Do not cover the wound tightly; keep it clean and open.
4. Monitor the cat (if possible) for 10 days. If it shows abnormal behavior or dies, inform your doctor immediately.
Do not delay medical attention. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, but completely preventable with prompt vaccination.
Next Steps
Summary:
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Since it's wild hence vaccination history unknown
Since cat scratches also have a chance of rabies transmission you must undergo Anti rabies vaccination [ IM 5 doses /ID 4 doses ] and also Rabies inmunoglobulin infiltration is needed around the wound as it is a category 3 injury with bleeding
Tetanus you're covered no need of it again
Next Steps
Rabies Immunoglobulin around the wound must
Antirabies Vaccine Intradermal [0,3,7,28 days ]
Paracetamol if you develop fever post vaccination
Health Tips
Go to nearby govt hospital for affordable vaccines and rig as private charge 10k nearly
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-According to your query and sign and symptom you want to know about the cause and Treatment of disease as you have mentioned as above as -
-Please take consultation for better evaluation and best Treatment as it need complete history of patient as personal and family history.
Please follow good life style as
• take plenty of fluid and
• take less spicy and fatty foods and
• take home made food only and
do exercise regularly with yoga and meditation and
• keep positive attitude to fight any disease and any problem of your life . ....
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