Internal Medicine in Lagos
Dog Bites and Rabies
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a internal medicine specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Dog Bites and Rabies
- A bite, scratch or lick on broken skin from a dog or other animal
- Pain, swelling or redness around the wound
- Later signs of infection: pus, spreading redness, fever
- Rabies symptoms, which can appear weeks to months later: fever, tingling at the bite, fear of water, confusion, spasms
Rabies is a virus spread through the bite, scratch or lick on broken skin of an infected animal, most often a dog in Nigeria, but also cats, monkeys and bats. Once symptoms begin it is almost always fatal, but it can be prevented with a course of rabies vaccine, and sometimes rabies immunoglobulin, given soon after the bite. Any bite or scratch from an animal that may not be vaccinated should be treated as a possible rabies exposure. Washing the wound straight away with soap and running water for fifteen minutes lowers the risk.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A bite, scratch or lick on broken skin from a dog or other animal
- Pain, swelling or redness around the wound
- Later signs of infection: pus, spreading redness, fever
- Rabies symptoms, which can appear weeks to months later: fever, tingling at the bite, fear of water, confusion, spasms
When to See a Doctor
After any animal bite or scratch that breaks the skin, wash it for fifteen minutes with soap and running water, then go to a hospital the same day for assessment for rabies vaccine and a tetanus booster, even if the wound looks small. Go to an emergency department now for deep or heavily bleeding wounds, bites to the face, head, neck or hands, or if the animal behaved strangely or cannot be traced. Do not wait for symptoms: once rabies symptoms start, treatment no longer works.
Treatment options
- Washing the wound with soap and running water for fifteen minutes
- Rabies vaccine, given as a course of injections, starting as soon as possible
- Rabies immunoglobulin into and around the wound for severe exposures
- A tetanus booster if due
- Antibiotics for some bites, especially deep ones and those on the hands
- Observing the dog for ten days where it can be safely traced
Common Questions
The dog is vaccinated. Do I still need treatment?
Get advice the same day. If a dog's vaccination is up to date and documented, and the dog stays well for ten days, the risk is low, but a doctor should decide, because the vaccine works only if started early.
Is it too late if the bite was days ago?
Not if there are no symptoms. Go to a hospital now: the vaccine can still be given and still protects.
Should I put herbs or engine oil on the bite?
No. Wash it with soap and running water, cover it with a clean dressing, and get to a hospital. Other substances can cause infection and do not prevent rabies.
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Internal Medicine in Lagos →Internal Medicine in Abuja →Internal Medicine in Port Harcourt →Internal Medicine in Jos →Internal Medicine in Ibadan →Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.