cat scratch disease
As many cat lovers know, the prospect of getting scratched is covered in the very first chapter of the cat care manual. In many cases…
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Recently, someone I know was looking after his mother's cat during a long weekend. He is a feisty one-year-old cat prone to (overly) playful tendencies, including the tactical use of razor-sharp claws. The acquaintance was well aware of this, but having received many scratches before, he felt that the risk of infection from light play was VERY low.
Apparently, the cat's mood changed from playfulness to anger, resulting in a series of scratches on both arms. Unfazed by the outbreak, he doused his hands with hydrogen peroxide and washed them thoroughly with soap and water.
Later that evening, he noticed swelling and tenderness in his left joint, but did not think anything of it. The next morning the swollen area was larger, but he still (remarkably!) did not consider it a source of concern. It was only after a day of cold sweat, back pain and high fever that the prospect of infection occurred to him. However, he waited another sleepless night to see if there was any improvement.
It was a mistake.
The next morning it became abundantly clear that an immediate trip to the local hospital was a foregone conclusion as his left hand was swollen like an inflated rubber glove. As it turned out, there were not only scratches on his left arm, but also a clear puncture wound very close to the infected area - most likely from a cat bite.
This was followed by a tetanus shot, blood work, and six days of a strong, broad-spectrum antibiotic given intravenously at the local emergency room, followed by another 10 days of oral antibiotics to treat the infection. Yes, it was quite a difficult ordeal, but the story had a happy ending - the infection was defeated. However, another day (or two) of neglect could lead to something much worse.
What is cat scratch disease?
Cat scratch disease (also known as *cat scratch fever*) is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, carried in cat saliva. It is one of the most common bacteria in the world. CSD is usually mild, but people with weakened immune systems and younger adults tend to be at greater risk of developing a serious infection.
However, Bartonella henselae is not the only bacteria in a cat's mouth. Others include Pasteurella multocida, a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth. A 2013 study found that Pasteurella multocida is the most common organism isolated from both cat and dog bites. Wounds tend to be very aggressive, and exposure to this bacteria can cause a more serious infection. This can have much more serious consequences.
Where do bacteria come from?
It is believed that cats acquire this bacteria from fleas. Cat scratch fever is spread when a cat carries the infection:
- causes a deep scratch that draws blood
- delivers a bite* that pierces the skin
- licks an open wound* Cats have sharp, thin fangs that easily penetrate deep tissue, bones and joints. These fast-healing puncture wounds, which are injected with saliva and bacteria, seal out harmful bacteria and create dead space for infection to spread.
How do you know if a cat bite is infected?
What are the symptoms? Common symptoms of infection from a cat bite include:
- redness and/or inflammation;
- warmth over the affected area;
- a lump or blister near the bite puncture.
These indicators usually do not require medical attention. However, monitor closely for escalating symptoms.
7 Signs of a Serious Infection After a Cat Bite:
- A bite or scratch that becomes inflamed and painful within a few days and gets worse over time.
- Painful or swollen glands under the armpits (arm injury) or in the groin (calf injury)
- Pus leaking from a wound with blisters
- Loss of sensation near the wound
- Red or discolored streaks near the wound
- Discomfort and/or limited mobility in the arm
- Flu-like symptoms including:
- headache
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- joint pain
- fever or chills
- night sweats
Which cats are at greatest risk of infection?
- stray and feral cats
- flea infested cats
- kittens (up to 1 year)
- street cats that hunt
What to do after a cat bite?
Follow these 4 steps:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. You can also apply antibiotic ointment, but avoid strong disinfectants as they can damage the skin. Vigorous cleaning of wounds can damage tissue and delay healing.
- Using a sterile absorbent dressing, apply direct pressure to the wound to stop bleeding** and keep it covered.
- Watch for symptoms (see above)
If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor as soon as possible. If left untreated, a serious infection can develop within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
**If the wound is from a bite, you may not bleed much. Cats have subcutaneous-like teeth that can easily pierce soft tissue. This mechanism creates a tiny tear that heals fairly quickly, trapping bacteria under the skin. This is bad.
How to treat cat scratch fever?
In most cases, cat scratch disease goes away on its own without treatment within a few weeks. In most cases, cat scratch fever is mild—your doctor may not always have a prescribed treatment plan.
To relieve pain and discomfort at home, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Applying a heat compress to the affected area may also provide some relief.
If your symptoms are moderate to severe and do not improve within a month or two, you may need to take antibiotics (or any other medical intervention). In rare cases, a CSD infection can spread to your bones or other organs. This requires more aggressive medical care.
Conclusion
The hand is an extremely vulnerable part of the body. It contains many important structures such as tendons, joints, blood vessels and nerves, covered only by a thin sheath of soft tissue. It is therefore not surprising that needle-like fangs in cats, filled with various types of bacteria, can cause serious damage. In extreme cases, a deep, skin-penetrating bite can lead to serious medical consequences, including death. DON'T WAIT TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE!
