What Should I Do If I Know My Cat Has Just Been Bitten
If you know that your cat has been in a fight, notify your veterinarian immediately. Antibiotics given within 24 hours will often stop the spread of infection and may prevent the development of an abscess. If several days have passed since the fight, an abscess will usually form, requiring more involved medical treatment.
Treating Fight Wound Infections In Cats
Fight wound infections are frequent in cats, and they need tobe treated to avoid further complications. The treatment of an infectedwound typically consists of antibiotics, either topical or oral, butyou need to take your cat to the vet to determine the exact dosage andif other medications are needed.
Cat Scratch Home Treatment
Dr. Vilma Ruddock states that, “Minor scratches can be treated at home.” For mild scratches that are not deep enough for stitches, treatment can be done at home with a basic first aid kit.
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Where Does Bartonella Come From
Bartonella has been infecting mammals for thousands ofyears.; It is a gram negative slow growing bacteria. It is carried byticks, body lice, fleas, and mosquitos.; Flea& Tick prevention in your kitties is of utmost importance.; It will significantly reduce the risk ofexposure, at least from these pesky pests.;
You need to be careful when adopting a new furryfriend.; I brought in an outdoor cat, andmy indoor cats contracted the infection from him.; This disease is very contagious despite whatsome may tell you. I contracted Cat Scratch Fever without gettingscratched.; It was either the lovingkisses and touching my eyes; or from the few flea bites that hitch-hiked off ofmy new furry friend.
Is There A Test For Cat Scratch Disease
There are tests available, especially for humans thought to have contracted bartonellosis. If your cat is showing signs of the disease, several tests can be done to diagnose this disease, including antibody testing to identify exposure to the bacteria, DNA testing to identify the bacteria in your cats blood, and blood culture to grow any bacteria that may be in your cats bloodstream.
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Bartonella Diagnosis & Treatment
Bartonella tests cantake up to five days before getting the result.;It can be difficult to test an active infection and may take multipletests such as cultures, antibody levels, serological, and polymerase chainreaction.; In some cases, it may be bestto rule out other possibilities with additional lab-work and ultrasounds.; The lab results may indicate high bilirubinlevels which means problems with the liver.
Bilirubin is a substance that forms when red blood cells break down and run through the liver, gall bladder, and digestive tract before excreting. Your cat can have jaundice, and further testing is often advised to ensure there are no underlying complications with the liver.
Your cat may have quiteating and drinking, and this is very dangerous especially if your belovedkitty is a little on the heavy side.; Ifthey do not have sufficient nutrition, their liver will start to go into FattyLiver Disease. ;To reverse this may require a feeding tube tobe inserted.; However, I was advised tosyringe feed and water my cat.; Withintwo days he had significant improvement.;;;
If your cat testspositive for Bartonella, they will prescribe a long duration of 4-6 weeks of antibiotics.;The antibiotics commonly used to reduce Bartonella are Doxycycline, Enrofloxacin,Rifampin, and Amoxicillin.;
Just like us, your catneeds time to recover.; They will needlots of rest in a stress-free environment.;You can do this by keeping them in a separate room until theyimprove.;
Your Cut Is Very Deep Or Was Caused By Rusty Metal
Getting a deep wound in generalespecially one caused by rusty metaldoesnt guarantee that youll develop an infected cut, but it does mean you should seek medical attention immediately. Dont try to resolve these kinds of cuts or scrapes on your own at home. Dr. Au is adamant about seeing a doctor in these instances because youll likely need stitches or at least additional attention above and beyond the at-home application of Vaseline and a bandage. Heres what to do when you cant get to a doctor, from a survival specialist.
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Mayo Clinic Q And A: What Is Cat Scratch Fever
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:;My cat scratched me while I was trimming his claws and the wound later became infected. Are cat scratches a special concern?
ANSWER:;A bite or scratch from a cat carries particular risks, and infection is common. Cat scratch disease is a specific type of bacterial infection that occurs when a cat bites or scratches hard enough to break the skins surface or licks an open wound. Its estimated that 40 percent of cats carry this particular bacterium, usually after an exposure to fleas or another animal that was exposed. However, most cats with the infection show no signs of illness.
Symptoms of cat scratch disease appear within two weeks after the contact with an infected animal. Swelling and redness occur around the wound, and you also may experience a fever, headache, poor appetite and fatigue.
The most notable characteristic of the disease is tender and swollen lymph nodes near the wound that typically remain swollen for months. Although the disease will clear on its own in healthy people, treatment with antibiotics may be recommended. Rarely, the disease can cause serious complications, especially in children under 5 and people with weakened immune systems.
When To Use Differentials For Fever In Cats
The emphasis is on differentials for fever when the diagnosis is not immediately obvious . Important factors used to determine the relative risk for various diseases include :
Diagnosis of Fever in Cats. Diagnosing fever can be accomplished by taking the cats temperature. This is generally accomplished rectally, using a thermometer. The animals body temperature will determine if a fever is present.
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How Cats And People Become Infected
Cats can get infected with B. henselae from flea bites and flea dirt getting into their wounds. By scratching and biting at the fleas, cats pick up the infected flea dirt under their nails and between their teeth. Cats can also become infected by fighting with other cats that are infected. The germ spreads to people when infected cats bite or scratch a person hard enough to break their skin. The germ can also spread when infected cats lick at wounds or scabs that you may have.
Preventing A Wound Infection
You may prevent an infection by treating a fight wound immediately after it occurs.
Clean the wound with cold water to remove the cat saliva. Sterilize the wound with a disinfectant.
Then the wound should be treated with a topical ointment thatcontains antibiotics. Cover the wound with bandages, to make sure thecat doesnt lick the wound and the antibiotic cream.
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Infection From Cat Bites
Health Guide Info warns a cat bite infection can develop within 24 to 48 hours of being bitten. Common signs of infection include:
- Redness: One of the first signs your bite may be getting infected is redness around the wound. This can vary from light pink to a dark, angry-looking crimson red. If the area is getting red, watch for any spreading of redness outward to the rest of the body. Spreading of redness could indicate blood poisoning.
- Heat: Whether or not the bite begins to redden, check it often to make sure it is not warmer than the other parts of your body. As your body sends antibodies to fight infection, the temperature around the infected area may heat up even before the area turns red.
- Odor: Some bites develop an unusual odor. It may be difficult to detect at first, but the wound may smell if untreated.
- Pusor oozing: An infected bite can abscess and puff up with a growth that looks like a pimple or boil. The growth will eventually pop and drain, but a doctor should examine the wound.
- Fever: This may develop if an infection is left untreated too long.
Health Guide Info lists headache, fatigue, low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat as additional symptoms of infection. Treatment generally consists of antibiotics and possibly a tetanus shot.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cat Scratch Disease
These are the most common symptoms of cat scratch disease:
- A cat bite or scratch that becomes reddened or swollen within a few days and does not heal or worsens over time
- Painful or swollen glands, especially under the arms , or in the groin
- Flu-like symptoms including headache, decreased appetite, fatigue, joint pain, or fever
- Body rash
The symptoms of cat scratch disease may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see;your;healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
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Will Declawing My Cat Help Reduce The Risk Of Spreading Cat Scratch Disease
There is NO evidence that declawing cats decreases the risk of transmission of B. henselae to humans! Declawing is NOT recommended. Neither is treating your cat with a course of antibiotics, just to be safe. What IS recommended is to keep your cat flea-free and avoid or prevent situations that may result in cat bites and scratches. Remember, B. henselae is transmitted to humans through contact with infected flea dirt. Contact is possible in many ways from cat scratches, as the flea dirt may lie under the claws; cat bites, as the organisms may be present in the cats saliva ; and from getting flea dirt on your hands and transferring it into an eye or open wound. Effective flea treatment and prevention products are recommended and available from your veterinarian.
What Happens After A Cat Has Been Bitten
When a cat bites, its sharp canine teeth easily puncture the skin, leaving small, but deep, wounds in the skin. These punctures rapidly seal over, trapping bacteria from the cat’s mouth under the skin of the victim, where they can readily multiply. The infection may go unnoticed for several days, until swelling and pain at the puncture site develop. At this point, the cat will often develop a fever. If the skin surrounding the wound is loose, a pocket of pus will develop, forming an abscess. In areas where the skin is not loose such as the lower leg or the tail, the infection spreads through the tissues and causes cellulitis.
“These punctures rapidly seal over, trapping bacteria from the cat’s mouth under the skin of the victim.”
In rare cases, a cat bite will result in , osteomyelitis , or pyothorax .
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What Is The Outlook If You Have Cat Scratch Disease
Most people make a complete recovery in 2-5 months. You should be seen again to make sure that the affected lymph gland has gone back to normal.
The outlook is different if you have developed one of the rare complications. The outlook will then depend on the particular complication and it will be different for different people, according to your age and any other illnesses you have.
Recovery Of Bacterial Infection In Cats
Bacterial infections in cats are usually easily treated. Monitoring your cats health and following vet instructions will speed up the process of recovery. If your cat has open wounds, you will have to get his wound cleaned and dressed regularly. Prevent licking with a buster collar.;
Take your cat back for regular follow-up appointments and ensure to follow the treatment and infection management plan diligently for your cats effective and speedy recovery. It is also important to create a comfortable space for your cat during the healing process and limit his outdoor time to prevent other infections too.
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Bacterial Infection Average Cost
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Should I Get My Pet Treated For Bartonella Just To Be Safe
Treatment is not recommended unless your pet becomes sick. Treating Bartonella with antibiotics can take a long time and its considered safer and more practical to let the pet handle the infection naturally. For cats that do become sick, the illness usually consists of fever for 2-3 days, with the cat recovering on its own. Symptoms requiring veterinary care include fever, vomiting, lethargy, red eyes, swollen lymph nodes or decreased appetite.
What Are The Complications Of Cat Scratch Fever
Most healthy people dont have complications from cat scratch fever. However, people whose immune systems are weak can have complications such as:
- Bacillary angiomatosis.;A skin disorder characterized by red, elevated lesions surrounded by a scaly ring. This condition may become a more widespread disorder that involves internal organs.;
- Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome. A condition that involves a red, irritated and painful eye similar to conjunctivitis , fever, and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear on the same side
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How Can Cat Scratch Disease Be Prevented
Cat scratch disease is preventable. It is rare and most people who get it have a mild illness from which they recover completely. However, not everyone does, so why take the risk? There are some simple things that you can do to reduce the chances of you or a member of your family catching it, such as:
- Wash cat bites and scratches well with soap and clean, running water.
- Don’t allow cats or kittens to lick your wounds.
- Make sure you have good flea control for your cats, particularly in households with children.
- Wash your hands after contact with cats and teach your children to do the same. This is so as to remove cat flea poo that could be infected with B. henselae. Otherwise the germ could get into little breaks in the skin.
Redness Around The Affected Area Persists
Its perfectly normal for skin around the cut or scrape to look different for a while: Redness, some pain, and even the appearance of tissue thats commonly confused for pus is often par for the course. The warning sign to watch for, according to Dr. Au, is when any of these symptoms seem to get worse rather than better. Redness around a cut or scrape is a sign of healing, for example. But when that color persists or spreads significantly, it may have become infected. See your doctor ASAPand make sure youre not picking or rubbing at your cut or scrape.
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Your Cat Has Had A Fight But There Aren’t Any Bite Marks
Puncture wounds heal very quickly so there is often nothing to see or feel. The most common sites of bites are on the head, forelimbs or at the base of the tail. If cats have been bitten on a limb, the leg is usually painful and lameness is seen. It may be possible to feel heat and swelling in the area of the bite. Some cats may just be lethargic and have a fever. Many cats will excessively groom the injured area.
Cat Scratches Requiring A Professional
If a cat scratches you deeply enough where stitches are required, you should seek immediate medical attention. Consulting with a medical professional is also warranted if you have any medical conditions that make you more susceptible to infections such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, or if you’re on drugs that weaken immunity like steroids or chemotherapy. Scratches to sensitive areas, such as your eyes, should be checked out by a doctor as well as areas where you would not want to have a scar, such as anywhere on your face.
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Treating Toxoplasmosis In Humans
Most of the time, our immune systems fight off toxoplasmosis and we dont need medicine or treatment. Sometimes, because the symptoms can mimic that of a cold or flu, some people may not even know theyve ever had toxoplasmosis.;
People who do require treatment can be treated by pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and folinic acid. .;
For pregnant women, newborns and infants they can be treated, but the parasite isnt eliminated completely. It can remain in the tissue cells . This is why its very important to detect toxoplasmosis in these cases.;
When To See A Doctor
If you think your cut is infected, it’s best to reach out to your doctor, says Alana Biggers, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“You should see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing fevers, chills, or you are experiencing a lot of pain that is worsening,” says Biggers. This could be a sign that the infection is spreading or getting worse. If left untreated, the infection could spread to your blood and other parts of your body.
Depending on your injury, your doctor may decide to prescribe you oral antibiotics.
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What Are The Clinical Features Of Catscratch Disease
A small red raised spot develops at the site of contact with an infected cat’s saliva. This changes into a fluid-filled blister that later forms a crusty sore. This usually heals without scarring in several days or months. It is often mistaken for an insect bite. Most are found on the hands, arms, face or neck as people often hold kittens close to their chest and face.
The nearest lymph glands then become swollen and tender, most often those on the head, neck and armpit. This is known as regional lymphadenopathy. The lymph glands may swell to 10-12 cm in the first two weeks of the disease. On questioning, patients often recall being licked, bitten or scratched by a cat in the previous one to eight weeks.
About 50% of patients will experience additional signs and symptoms including:
- fever
- conjunctivitis
Less common problems occur in about 10% of patients. These include:
- Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome , characterised by an inflamed lump in the eye and swollen lymph glands in front of the nearby ear
- bacillary angiomatosis
- bacillary hepatitis and splenitis
- erythema nodosum
- encephalopathy
- bacterial endocarditis
Encephalopathy is an uncommon complication of catscratch disease that occurs one to six weeks after the lymph glands swell up. The abrupt symptoms of fever, seizures and coma can be frightening. With hospitalisation and high doses of antibiotics, most patients recover completely.