About this topic
Cat scratch disease is an illness that you get from a scratch or bite of an infected cat. You can also get this illness if an infected cat licks an open wound on your skin. The germ is carried in the cat saliva. ‚
Cat scratch disease may go away on its own after a few weeks. Other times, you have swollen lymph nodes. If they do not go away, it is important to get treatment. The infection may spread to your brain and can cause serious health problems. ‚
What are the causes?
A germ called Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease. Ticks and fleas can transfer this germ from one infected cat to another one. It does not make a cat sick. ‚
What are the main signs?
After a cat scratch, a blister or small bump may appear in 3 to 10 days. It may take a long time to heal. You may have an area of redness around the scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the bite or scratch. ‚
Other signs often happen after 1 to 2 weeks: ‚
- You may be able to feel swollen lumps in the armpit, neck, or in your groin. These are swollen lymph nodes.
- You may have a high fever, headache, and overall discomfort.
- Some people may have loss of appetite, sore throat, and weight loss.
- Eye redness is another sign. This will occur if you pet a cat that has the bacteria on its fur and you rub your eyes.
- You may have abdominal, bone, or joint pain and feel more tired than usual for a prolonged period.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will look at your blister or wound. The doctor will feel for lumps in your armpits, groin, neck, or belly. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Blood tests
- Fluid culture ¢ ˆ ’ The pus on your wound will be sent to a lab to let the germs grow in a lab dish for further evaluation.
- Lymph node biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ Your doctor will put a needle into your armpit, neck, or groin to get a sample tissue of your lymph node.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Cat scratch disease is treated with drugs. You may also have to do dressing changes on your wound. The doctor may tell you ways to help lower your pain. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Keep your temperature normal
What problems could happen?
- Infection may spread to the bones
- Eye infection
- Swelling of the brain or seizures
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid petting or touching cats you are not familiar with.
- Avoid rough play with your cat.
- Wash your hands after touching or playing with your cats.
- Keep your cat free from ticks and fleas.
- If you get scratched or bitten by a cat, wash the wound right away with running water and soap.
- Teach children to avoid stray animals.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/catscratch.htm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/cat_scratch.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚