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Check past dog bite or scratch
Around 20 days ago, I had an encounter with a stray dog. I don’t remember any pain, bleeding, or visible wound, but I’m now anxious and unsure whether I was scratched or bitten. Is there any test or skin examination that can help detect old wounds or scratches after this much time? I want to know how to properly examine my body or if any doctor can help confirm whether exposure happened. Please guide me on the right steps and which specialist I should consult to clear this confusion. I just want peace of mind and proper medical advice.
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Can help you with the next course of action and treatment plan. Kindly consult via whatsapp at nine zero two nine six zero zero four seven zero.
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Question asked twice.
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Vaccination not needed
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Need more details on case kindly connect me
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Hello,
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There are many ways you can be sure about the episode.
1. You can observe the dog that scratched you, typically if it is a rabid dog they show signs within 10 days. As you have already passed 20 days, and still the dog looks healthy then you need not worry about the bite/ scratch
2. If you are not able to trace the dog, and you’re still not able to find the scratch mark then there is least likely possibly of an open wound contact with the saliva.
3. Even if you still think there was a contact or you find the dog missing or rabid then vaccination won’t do any harm
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Well good day to you!
I understand you are afraid that you may have been exposed to the rabies virus. It is an extremely valid concern because of all that we know about the virus and the complications that it can lead to. However I feel that you don't need to be afraid at all! The incubation period for the virus can range from 20 days to three months based on the area affected and the nerve supply to the area because the virus travels retrograde from the site of inoculation to the central nervous system.
The best way to check for any sort of scratches or wounds (As we also do in the hospital) is to remove any and all pieces of clothing and inspect visually for any lesions or unhealed/healed scars. A telltale sign of being bitten by a dog effected with rabies is that the site will be anesthetised ie. You won't be able to feel any sensation over the affected area even if you press it down hard or even scratch it till it bleeds. We don't go to the extremes of making it bleeding but it was just a hypothetical to make you understand.
Either way if it was just a surface scratch or a lick even then since 20 days have already passed you need not worry because bathing with soap would have denatured any signs of the virus in your skin and the chances of you getting rabies from a skin lick or even petting a dog is less than 1% .
So have no fear!
Next Steps
I would suggest you follow the instructions and look for any lesions which have lost sensation. if you want a professional to do a checkup then feel free to contact me and i shall be glad to help!
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Hello , Need a detailed history about the bite , we’re it was bleeding out or was just a scratch . As it was 20 days ago , now many things are need to be known .
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Consult a General Physician/General Medicine practitioner in your area .
Health Tips
One should wash the bitten area whether it’s a scratch or bleed in continuous water for atleast 15-20 mins and if there’s scratch one should take the Rabies vaccine .
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Dr. Sunil Nagar
General Physician
17 yrs exp
Rewa
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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Aurangabad
Please consult
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Dr. Yathish Yareshimi
General Practitioner
2 yrs exp
Harihara
No vaccination needed if at all the scratch didn’t cause a bleed from the site better to take vaccine as it can even protect you from future scratch or bite if you ten to expose more to stray dogs
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Dr. Ashutosh Patel
Internal Medicine
7 yrs exp
Sambalpur
If you can't remember of any scratches from dog bite then it's more probable that there was no scratch.
No vaccination is indicated in category-1 dog bite where the skin remains intact.
And if you can find out that the stray dog is still alive after 10days of bite then you are very much safe.
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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