Do We Need to Consider Rabies Vaccination?
My cat has been unwell for some time, dealing with a urinary tract infection and potentially some kidney problems. Recently, he accidentally bit my daughter while she was feeding him, mistaking her finger for food. The bite caused some bleeding, so we cleaned it with soap and put her on antibiotics. I contacted the veterinarian to confirm that my cat's vaccinations were current, and they assured me that he is up to date. Lately, he has been excessively drinking water, has experienced weight loss, and feels cool to the touch. Fortunately, there are no signs of foaming at the mouth or aggression; however, I have noticed some tearing in his eyes. Despite these issues, he remains affectionate and calm. It's been over ten days since he began showing signs of illness, while it's only been four days since the incident with my daughter. He cohabits with two other indoor cats, both of whom appear to be completely healthy, although they are overdue for their rabies vaccinations by several months. While he is managing to hang on, I'm uncertain if he will pull through for ten more days. Should we go ahead and get my daughter vaccinated against rabies, and what does the doctor recommend in such situations? Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/17/2025, 12:20:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
In this situation, your main concerns are your cat's health and whether your daughter needs rabies vaccination after being bitten. Let's break this down systematically.
Key Points:
-
Rabies Risk Assessment: Given that your cat is up to date on vaccinations, the risk of rabies transmission through a bite is very low. However, since your cat is experiencing health issues and your other cats are overdue for rabies vaccinations, caution is warranted.
-
Cat’s Health Concerns: Your cat's excessive drinking, weight loss, and other symptoms may indicate a significant health issue, potentially related to kidney problems or other conditions. These should be monitored closely.
Explanation:
- The risk of rabies from your cat to your daughter is minimal, especially since you confirmed that your cat is vaccinated. Rabies is more of a concern in unvaccinated pets, particularly if they show signs of illness.
- The symptoms you describe in your cat (excessive thirst, weight loss, tearing) are concerning and may be related to a serious condition, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
- It's vital to monitor the health of your other indoor cats, as their overdue vaccinations could put them at risk, and they may also require veterinary attention.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Daughter: Keep an eye on the bite area for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus). Since she was put on antibiotics, ensure she completes her course. If any signs of infection develop, seek prompt medical advice.
-
Consult with a Veterinarian: Given your cat's worsening condition, prioritize taking him back to the vet for a thorough evaluation. Explain all his symptoms in detail. This will help in identifying the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
-
Vaccinate Other Cats: Schedule vaccinations for your other two cats as soon as possible to ensure they are protected against rabies.
-
Vaccination Consideration for Your Daughter: While the risk is low, consult with a healthcare provider about whether rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is necessary, based on your daughter's injury and current knowledge of your cat's health.
In Summary:
Your daughter’s risk from the cat is low due to vaccination status, but remaining vigilant about potential infection is crucial. Ensure your cat receives veterinary attention for his health issues, and update vaccinations for your other cats. Stay in close communication with healthcare and veterinary professionals regarding your and your pets' health.
Related Questions
Could This Be Eczema?
The subject in question is an 11-year-old boy who presents with a persistent itchy, red rash accompanied by inflammation and small bumps. Two pediatric specialists have diagnosed him with eczema. This condition seems to worsen during the winter months. In contrast, during the other seasons, the affected area appears rough and shows slight hyperpigmentation, but it remains free of redness and inflammation, and there are no symptoms during this time. Various treatments, including hydrocortisone, Duoderm, and Eucerin eczema lotion, have proven ineffective against the rash. For today, I have received a delivery from Amazon that includes Gold Bond medicated eczema relief lotion, white cotton gloves, and a non-soap hand cleanser. He is very particular about washing his hands after every restroom visit. I would appreciate your input and advice on whether I am on the right track with the treatment plan. Thank you for your assistance.
Is It Possible to Develop Allergies in Adulthood?
The concept of developing allergies later in life has been on my mind. A young woman I know, who is 22 years old, had no issues being near cats in her childhood. However, as she matured, she started exhibiting allergic reactions. Additionally, she used to enjoy strawberries without any problems, but recently she experienced swelling in her mouth after consuming a handful of them. To give you a bit of context, she stands at about 156 centimeters tall and weighs around 50 kilograms. It's noteworthy that she doesn't partake in alcohol, smoking, or any recreational drugs.
Unexplained Urticaria Episodes
A 28-year-old woman, measuring 158 cm and weighing 72 kg, has been experiencing episodes of urticaria for the past month without any obvious cause. The issue began following a localized reaction to her migraine treatment, particularly the medication erenumab. Generally, she has minor reactions to this injection; however, the last two doses have led to significant flare-ups. Subsequently, she began to notice hives appearing sporadically, primarily without identifiable triggers. These episodes tend to intensify during the night but usually subside after taking cetirizine, an antihistamine. Additionally, she has known drug allergies to ciprofloxacin and penicillin. Recently, after taking cefpodoxime, she developed a rash within a few hours, although cefixime did not provoke any adverse reactions.
Concern Over Possible Botulism Exposure: Seeking Guidance
Greetings, everyone! I'm a 37-year-old male, weighing approximately 80 kilograms and standing at about 1.75 meters tall. To provide some context, I'm currently visiting a friend in another country, but I don’t have any travel health insurance. My friend had to work through the weekend and encouraged me to help myself to whatever food I found in her refrigerator. Upon arriving, I discovered some gravy that appeared and smelled fine. I decided to prepare some frozen fries in the oven while simultaneously heating the gravy in a dish, which I placed in the oven at a temperature of around 225 degrees Celsius. Following the instructions, I set a timer for 20 minutes when cooking the fries. However, when the timer went off, the fries didn’t seem fully cooked. I opted to give them an additional 10 to 15 minutes to bake (the gravy was still on the bottom, and I had completely forgotten about it). Eventually, the fries emerged from the oven, slightly overdone, but I didn't mind. Upon pulling everything out, I noticed that the gravy had begun to burn and char during the process. Afterward, I proceeded to eat the fries along with some of the gravy, which had turned into a paste-like consistency. I later called my friend to catch up and mention what I had for dinner. To my dismay, she panicked when I mentioned the gravy, informing me that it was actually 12 days old and stored in a plastic container. Now I’m left worried about my situation. How serious is this? To provide additional context: - It’s been 12 hours since I consumed the food, and I have not yet experienced any symptoms. What signs should I be vigilant for? - I heated the gravy thoroughly; it was in the oven for over 30 minutes, and the edges of the plate were charred. - Prior to this meal, I hadn't eaten anything for nearly 24 hours, so I'm hoping my stomach's acidity might be a protective factor. I didn't consume a large amount, discarding approximately half of what I had. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding this situation.
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?