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Dog Bite 4 days before stray dog
A dog bite my uncle 4 days and it was stray dog cat III wound was there, On 4th day he took the first rabies vaccine on its 5th day can he take RIG?
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For Category III dog bite, RIG should be given as early as possible, ideally with the first vaccine. It can still be given within 7 days of starting the vaccine, so day 5 is acceptable.
Continue the full rabies vaccine schedule as advised. Please consult me if you need guidance on the vaccination schedule.
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Since the bite was from a stray animal and there was a wound present, it should be treated as a Category III exposure for Rabies. In such cases, along with the Rabies vaccine, doctors usually recommend Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) to provide immediate protection while the vaccine starts producing antibodies.
RIG is ideally given on the same day as the first vaccine dose, but it can still be given up to 7 days after starting the rabies vaccine schedule. Since your uncle took the first vaccine on day 4 after the bite and today is day 5, RIG can still be administered if the wound has not completely healed.
Next Steps
• Your uncle should visit a hospital or anti-rabies clinic as soon as possible to receive Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).
• The RIG should be infiltrated around the wound area as much as possible.
• Continue the full rabies vaccine schedule as advised (Day 0, 3, 7, 14, and sometimes Day 28 depending on protocol).
• Ensure the wound is thoroughly washed with soap and water and kept clean.
Health Tips
• RIG is only useful within the first 7 days after starting the rabies vaccine, so do not delay.
• Avoid suturing the wound unless necessary, as it may trap virus particles.
• Watch for signs of wound infection such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
• Always seek early medical care after any stray animal bite, as early treatment significantly reduces risk.
If you’d like, you can book an online consultation and share a photo of the wound and the vaccination dates, and I can guide you precisely on whether RIG and the vaccine schedule are being followed correctly.
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Hello.
Based on what you described, a stray dog bite with a deep wound carries a risk of rabies, so proper treatment is important.
Yes, RIG can still be given up to 7 days after starting the rabies vaccine, so taking it on the 5th day is still acceptable.
In the meantime you may consider:
• Keeping the wound clean with soap and water
• Completing the rabies vaccine schedule on time
Since treatment depends on the exact report values and symptoms, a detailed review would be helpful. You may book an online consultation for proper evaluation and personalized treatment guidance.
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The schedule is 2 shots of Anti rabies vaccine on day 1, later Day 3, Day 7 Day 14 and Day 28.
I'm not aware of the current guidelines as currently I'm practicing as an Endocrinologist. You might consider meeting an internal medicine physician nearby.
Thank you, wishing Good health.
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