It is very common for a dog bite victim in Wisconsin to become worried about infections after the attack. One of the most talked about infections that can be transmitted through a dog bite is rabies. Some studies estimate that as much as 97 percent of rabies infections in the United States are transmitted through a dog bite.
Rabies is a serious infection that is only treatable before the infection sets in. Knowing whether or not the dog is infected with rabies will help you decide what action to take after being bitten.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to determine whether or not the dog that bit you was infected with rabies at the time. To determine whether the dog that bit you is infected with rabies you can:
- Look for symptoms. Dogs that have rabies may have certain symptoms of the disease. You should be concerned if you have noticed any behavior or temperament changes in the last few days to months before the bite.
- Check the dog’s vaccination record. If the dog is not your dog, it is important to find out whether or not the dog has received its rabies vaccinations. Demand that the owner of the dog show you vaccination records to be sure.
- Test the dog. The dog can be tested for rabies. A veterinarian can take samples of the dog’s saliva or spinal fluid to test it for rabies. These methods are fairly accurate but not perfect. The only sure way to determine if the dog has rabies is to check the brain tissue, which requires sacrificing the animal.
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Milwaukee for a Free Consult
Dog bite victims are often entitled to compensation to recover damages incurred due to the bite. To determine if you have a possible case, contact a Milwaukee dog bite lawyer at Hupy and Abraham. Call us at 800-800-5678 to schedule a free consultation.
