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Spitz Dog bite
I had taken 4 doses of ARV for a cat scratch, and I also uploaded the prescription picture. But today I was bitten by a Spitz dog. So what should I do now?
Actually, I have already consulted a doctor. The place where I was bitten is slightly swollen and feels a bit hard, and I also have pain in my hand. The doctor said this is normal.
He told me to come tomorrow to take 2 booster doses, but he advised me not to take RIG. I am a bit scared, so I am messaging here for help.
I have shared today's and previous doctor's prescriptions and pictures of them. Please help me.
Answers (8)
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You:
• Previously completed 4 doses of anti-rabies vaccine (full PEP course)
• Now had a new dog bite (Spitz)
• Doctor advised 2 booster doses (Day 0 & Day 3)
• No RIG advised
• Local swelling and hardness at bite site
This is correct management.
As per WHO & national guidelines:
If a person has previously completed a full rabies vaccination course:
✔ Only 2 booster doses (0, 3 days) are required
✔ Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is NOT required
✔ Full course is NOT repeated
Even if:
• It is Category III
• It is painful
• There is swelling
Immune memory remains for years. Boosters quickly raise antibody levels.
The swelling, hardness, and pain are typical local inflammatory reaction to bite trauma, not rabies symptoms.
Rabies does NOT cause immediate swelling or pain like this.
Your doctor’s advice is medically appropriate.
Next Steps
✔ 1. Take Booster Doses
• Day 0 (today or tomorrow as advised)
• Day 3
Do not delay.
⸻
✔ 2. Proper Wound Care
• Wash thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes
• Apply povidone iodine
• Keep clean and dry
⸻
✔ 3. Observe the Dog
If the dog:
• Is healthy
• Can be observed for 10 days
• Shows no abnormal behavior
Risk becomes extremely low.
⸻
✔ 4. Monitor Local Symptoms
Normal:
• Swelling
• Mild hardness
• Tenderness
Seek review if:
• Increasing redness
• Pus
• Fever
• Spreading swelling
That would suggest bacterial infection, not rabies.
Health Tips
✔ Do not take RIG unnecessarily if previously vaccinated
✔ Do not restart full vaccine course
✔ Anxiety is common after bites — but protocol matters
✔ Rabies does not cause immediate wound swelling
✔ Follow Day 0 and Day 3 strictly
Your management plan is correct and evidence-based.
If you want full reassurance based on the exact dates of your previous doses and this new exposure, I recommend booking a short online consultation so we can review your vaccination history and confirm that you are fully protected without over-treatment.
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Go for boosters .why rig ?? You have already completed your schedule vaccination recently, just go for booster only .
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Do connect and consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
It's cat 2 so take booster dose as your doctor said, no need to worry
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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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