In case of dog bite, the attitudes to be taken immediately are as follows:
- When bleeding occurs, wash the wound with water or saline and soap for 5 to 10 minutes to thoroughly clean the saliva and microorganisms present in the animal's mouth.
- Immediately go to a health center or emergency room (in case of injury with bleeding and need of dressing). Is important do not suture in the case of an animal bite, infected wound. What can be accomplished is curative or an approach of the margins if the injury is very extensive / deep. Then a broad spectrum antibiotic treatment should be started (with medical prescription), prophylactic against secondary bacterial infections, due to the presence of numerous bacteria in the dogs mouth.
- Make sure the animal is observable (ie an animal known, family, vaccinated) or not (street animal, missing or dead). The most important information is whether observable or not, but it is crucial to know if the animal is healthy or sick. The symptoms of rabies in the dog are aggression or paralysis, excessive salivation, behavior changes (also read: What are the symptoms of rabies virus?).
- In the case of an animal observable, without suspected rage at the time of the aggression and light accidents (licking of skin with superficial lesions and superficial injuries that are not extensive, usually single, on the trunk and limbs - except for digital hands and feet and on the sole of the feet), the animal should be observed for ten days after the bite. If the animal remains healthy, there is no danger. If the animal dies, disappears or exhibits symptoms of rabies, five doses of vaccine (days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28) should be applied.
- In the case of an animal observable, without suspected rabies at the time of the aggression and serious accidents (wounds on the head, face, neck, hands, digital pulps and / or sole), multiple or extensive deep wounds in any region of the body, mucosal licking, licking of the skin where there is already a serious injury or deep injury caused by nail), a prophylactic regimen should be started with two doses of vaccine at day zero and day 3 of the bite. After, observe the animal for ten days after exposure. If the animal remains healthy, there is no risk. If the animal dies, disappears or exhibits symptoms of rabies, start prophylactic treatment with serum and finish the five doses of vaccine (the third between day 7 and day 10, 14 and 28).
In the case of an animal with suspected anger at the time of aggression and LOW accidents, a prophylactic schedule with two doses of vaccine at day zero and day 3 of exposure (bite) should be started. After, observe the animal for ten days after exposure. If the suspected rabies is discarded after the 10th day of observation, close the case. If the animal dies, disappears or exhibits symptoms of rabies, start prophylactic treatment with serum and finish the five doses of vaccine (the third between day 7 and day 10, 14 and 28).
In the case of an animal with suspected rage at the time of the aggression and serious accidents, a prophylactic regimen with serum and five doses of vaccine should be started on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Observe the animal for 10 days after exposure. If the animal remains healthy, close the case. If the suspected rabies is discarded after the 10th day of observation, discontinue the prophylactic regimen and close the case.
- In the case of an animal NOT observable (missing or dead), treatment with local serum ICC and rabies vaccine should be performed in five doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 of the bite (serious accidents) or only five dose doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 of the bite (minor accidents).
It is worth remembering that if the bite is from a wild animal (bat, fox, etc.), it is mandatory and immediately seek an emergency because it will be essential to administer anti-rabies serum and then vaccine.
Read too:
What to do in case of cat bite?
How is the transmission of anger?
What to do in case of scorpion sting?
