Sunday, November 18, 2007

Dog Bite Scare

Did the dog bite me or not? I don't know and will never know, but was worried enough to go to a Apollo Clinic for consultations and injections.

It happened yesterday (Saturday, Nov 18, 07) on the Thiru. Vi. Ka. bridge on my return run. I was heading back from Elliots Beach and was going towards Mandavelli on the left side pavement. Couple of stray dogs were sitting / standing harmlessly(so I thought) on the side walk where I was pounding my way back home. As I was running past the dogs, one of the dogs (a white one) probably felt threatened and did something. I thought it tried to chase me away and felt some strike on my left heal.. or so I thought. Since, it was only on the shoe heal, I never stopped and didn't even worry about it till today.

Today, while having my lunch today, I sat folding my legs in the chair and noticed marks near my right ankle and that's when the monkey called 'doubt' and 'what if' climbed by back. Where did the dog strike me yesterday ? was it right or left? was the shoe heal or near ankle? I wasn't sure and ended up at Apollo Clinic. Not wanting to take any chances, Doctor suggested 4 injections that will I have to take over a 7 day period (0 - 4- 7). I took a Tetanus Taxoid (TT) and Verorab today and will be taking Verorab again on Thursday and Sunday.

Even now, I not sure if the dog really bite me, but the doubt monkey is a strange thing. Sita and I and wanted to end the 'what if' nagging question and get rid of the monkey and that's what we just did. It's going cost us about INR 1500 and some painful injections. But hey its worth every penny for getting the monkey off our back.

This is not going to stop me from running on Chennai roads, but the dogs will definitely get lot of respect from me.

13 comments:

  1. Don't worry
    get well soon
    all the best

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  2. I know you will dismiss the suggestion outright, but why don't you guys simply run 40-50laps in the YMCA ground or something? It is very picturesque, lots of trees, etc. No dogs that snap at your heel. No cars or lorries that will knock you down.

    But, that aside, I think you did the sensible thing in going to the doc and taking those injections. Take care.

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  3. Ram,

    Better a monkey on your back than a dog on your heel.

    Best wishes. Hope it was all a needless worry.

    Of course none of this would have been necesary if people realized that stray dogs need to be rounded up and removed from the city streets.

    But that would be like asking people to obey traffic rules....just wishful thinking!

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  4. Hmm - Sorry to hear that.

    Moral of the Story

    1) Stop for Dogs
    2) Carry a stick / bag/pocket of of stones with you.

    I think you did the right thing by going to Appolo.

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  5. Ram, dogs also chase while riding bikes. They really scare me to the core.

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  6. I'm not sure about the dog respect feelin, but u sure have gained a new mantra on u'r ipod - Who let the dogs out :-)

    Hope u feel better real soon!!!

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  7. Oops! This is scary (as its always been to me!). Hope you get immune to those painful injections.

    And yes, we should respect these dogs. One tip to shoo away these canines is to throw water at them - Dogs are scared of water. Assuming that you do carry water, its the best weapon for such emergencies.

    Cheers!

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  8. I thinking of running with a Pet trainer. Not sure whether it will work with stray dogs though. http://www.radiofence.com/shock-collars-dog-training-collars/petsafe_ultrasonic_dog_training_collar.htm

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  9. Get well soon. Nattu marundhu to check (kai vaithyam) is to keep chunammbu on the wound or scratch and see any blood comes out. If so, seek medical attention - modern way. Naar thalai, which is found along with grasses or even in some shops, juice can also tell, if there is a wound by applying the saaru. This works for venom too.

    Now that Taxoid is in, they might put you on to some more antibiotics and help the pharmacy.

    Please note that above is not a medical advice and whomsoever follows it, would be at their own risk. Kindly check your costly vaithyans.

    Rgds
    Vijay

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  10. Ram, Yesterday Jan 21 my home dog bite me. I am so depressed and disappointed.. I took TT immediately and tonight i am going to put the vaccine injection. The bit was in my right thumb finger. Was so worried that sometime might cause for me.. can you please sugeest and help me on the same.

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  11. Priya
    I think you are doing the right things.. that is the see a Doctor..
    Good luck

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  12. Today my sonwas throwing biscuits to a neighbouring dog..
    suddenly he ran inside ..

    i cheked his hands and asked if dog bit him..he said no..
    i am worried if dods teeth has touched his hands..what precuation do i need to take..he hands are fine..i dont see any marks

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  13. Anonymous
    Well.. the best thing under these circumstances is to go see a doctor and take his / her counsel.

    And a precautionary measure, take the shots advised by your Doctor.

    ReplyDelete