Aa
Rabies
My roomate's dog was last vaccinated in September of 2014. Two days ago, I caught him
with a dead bird (don't know if he killed it or found it). Later that day and a few other times, I was scratched by his front claw, which I am sure was all over the dead bird's body. Then, his saliva got into an open cut by my finger while playing fetch on a few occasions. Should I be worried about catching rabies? I am really panicking. I wasn't sure which forum to place my question under; I hope this one is alright. Thank you!
with a dead bird (don't know if he killed it or found it). Later that day and a few other times, I was scratched by his front claw, which I am sure was all over the dead bird's body. Then, his saliva got into an open cut by my finger while playing fetch on a few occasions. Should I be worried about catching rabies? I am really panicking. I wasn't sure which forum to place my question under; I hope this one is alright. Thank you!
A related discussion, Rabid dog in China was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello. Thank you for your question.
The decision to start rabies post-exposure prevention treatment depends on many factors, including how a patient is exposed and whether the animal can be observed or tested for rabies.
For bats, people who have direct contact with a bat should be offered rabies treatment. However, treatment is not necessary if the person in an closed area with the bat, and was aware of the bat at all times. He or she must also be absolutely certain that there was no bite, scratch, or any kind of mucous membrane contact.
Finally, treatment should be considered for anyone who might have woke up in a room and finds a bat, an unattended toddler, baby, child, a mentally disabled person, or a person under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The decision to start rabies post-exposure prevention treatment depends on many factors, including how a patient is exposed and whether the animal can be observed or tested for rabies.
For bats, people who have direct contact with a bat should be offered rabies treatment. However, treatment is not necessary if the person in an closed area with the bat, and was aware of the bat at all times. He or she must also be absolutely certain that there was no bite, scratch, or any kind of mucous membrane contact.
Finally, treatment should be considered for anyone who might have woke up in a room and finds a bat, an unattended toddler, baby, child, a mentally disabled person, or a person under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Nevermind. I just read that birds can't get rabies. $20 down the drain. Let's pretend it was a bat, just for kicks, would this situation be cause to get vaccinated? Thanks for your time!
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