cat scratch fever

[samwise12]

We rescued a four week old kitten in the month of june. My son showed was diagnosed with cat scratch fever the beginning of september. I was told that cats come across this virus and it does not stay with them like a cold virus, I recently became ill with extremely painful swollen glands on one arm and  under arm, headache and fever. My doctors believe it is cat scratch fever and are culturing for it, but we do not know for sure yet. My doctor told me recently that once a cat has the virus it always has it and can infect other people. Is this true and if so does the cat have to be put to sleep. I am on a course of antibiotics and have been ill for two weeks now, any information you can share with me would be appreciated.

[CML2014]

Hi samwise,

Well you got the scoop from the professional, so now you know what CSD is and how it is contracted.

I will say IMOO--Declawing by laser or any other means is  something I do not agree with, especially if the vet cannot guarantee a resolution to the problem. It is totally inhumane. It can change a cats personality, because  you have taken away one of their defense mechanisms and left them to BITE as protection. I would much rather hve a cat scratch me than bite me. Believe me I have been bit many times in rescue, and each time you are at risk for serious infection due to the fact it is a DEEP puncture wound. It must be treated with antibiotics.

I will suggest never using your hands as a Play toy. This will condition the cat to bite you (playfully) even when you just want to pet them. Always place a toy in their paws as soon as they go for the hand.

Also  a young kitten is perfect for conditioning them to having their nails clipped to blunt them. They have special scissors just for this. Ask the Vet to show you how if you are not sure, because you should NEVER clip down to the quick--(the red part where the blood vessel's are.)  A cat will jump up to the ceiling if this happens and will not likely take to any more manicures by you. Can you imagine how painful declawing can be?

The declawing is NOT an option in my opinion only. Please try anything but that.

Thanks and Good Luck--Feel better,
CML

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Hi...I don't know if your doctor misspoke or if there was a miscommunication, but Cat Scratch disease is actually a bacterial disease and not a viral one.   The bacteria that causes CSD (Bartonella henselae) is tranmsitted by fleas.  

When a cat, especially a kitten, scratches at a flea and catches the flea with his claws, the bacteria from the flea feces (flea dirt) will populate the claws of the cat.   Also cats grooming themselves ingest the flea feces and can be infected that way.  It is also possible for cats to carry the bacteria in their bloodstream, however, they will not show signs of the disease.  Flea control in your household and on ALL pets is essential for controlling the spread of this disease.

Check out www.winnfelinehealth.org.   They have a great article on CSD.   The Centers for Disease control website also has good info (www.cdc.gov).  Finally, there is some great technical information at www.catvets.com

Like Ms Savas said, keep the kitties claws trimmed, don't roughhouse with the cats and don't let them lick anyone with an open wound (like a scratch).   Euthanasia is not needed.  Declawing could help, but won't eliminate all possibility of re-infection.  If you choose to declaw, consider a veterinarian who has access to a laser unit.   From my experience in veterinary hospitals, laser declaws are much more humane.  

Good luck...keep us posted!

Tomcat

[Mrs_Savas]

This condition is commonly know as Cat Scratch Disease (CSD).  Euthanasia is definitely not necessary and neither is declawing (infection does not require a scratch, for one thing).

Multiple reinfections are rare and usually only seen in immuno-comprimised people.  The best route to take is one of common sense.  Children should be taught not to irritate the cat and rough play should be discouraged (gently) for anyone.  You can use a toy to play with kitty - that sort of thing.  If the clawing is an issue (as it might be for a young cat), there is a product called Soft Paws that consists of little covers for the claws - they work great (and even come in lots of colors!).  

Frankly, I would be cautious about a vet that is so quick to suggest euthanasia.  If it were me, I would try someone who is a little more knowledgable on the subject.  I understand that your experiences with CSD have been unpleasant, but a little preventative research and some thought put into dealing with the situation should make things work out for all of you.

Good luck.  We are here for you if you have any more questions or concerns.  Keep us posted, ok?