Hi, I was bitten by a stray dog yesterday. Due to my shoes, only scratch like wounds occurred. But my doctor advised to administer 5 doses of anti rabies injection. First injection was given immediately. Now I am prepared to complete the remaining 4 doses. But I have no idea about the condition of the dog, whether it was infected or not. Since the incident happened at a far away location, I cant follow up the dog to see whether it remains alive or not. Will it be alright if I just complete the 5 doses irrespective of the dog s condition or any additional treatment required?
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor, Rabies is a 100% fatal disease, but it is 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment. Dog is a known reservoir of rabies virus and can transmit rabies by biting. As it was a scratch by the dog, according to WHO categories it is categorized into Cat II, which requires through wound wash and anti rabies vaccine. As your doctor has advised to take five shots of anti rabies vaccine on to your shoulder it will suffice the treatment, even the biting dog is not traceable. Thank you.