2023-08-21 18:01:00
Even if the injuries caused by the animal may seem benign, it is however necessary to monitor the wound, severe complications can occur following a few days.
Cats, whether domestic or wild, are carriers of many bacteria that are mostly harmless. However, a simple scratch can cause an infectious disease that should not be overlooked.
What to do following a cat scratch or bite
Even if it does not seem deep, it is imperative to disinfect the wound well. The website amelia specifies that it is necessary to wash the wounds with soapy water and rinse well before applying an antiseptic to disinfect before checking that the tetanus vaccination is up to date.
Consultation of a doctor
It is recommended to consult a doctor urgently if the wound is located near the eye or if conjunctivitis has declared itself following the scratch or the bite.
Otherwise, it is recommended to consult a doctor in case of redness or pustule-like growth around the wound, lymph nodes, moderate fever and fatigue or loss of appetite. The latter can deepen with a blood test or a sample for analysis.
40% of European cats carry the bacteria that causes the disease
The disease called cat-scratch from its medical name “benign inoculation lymphoreticulosis” is caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria transmitted by fleas.
This bacterium is present in the mouth of cats and when the animal grooms it, it spreads it on its hair and claws.
You should know that 40% of European cats are carriers of this bacterium. The disease is mild for them. On the other hand she transmits to the man during a scratch, a bite or simply if the animal licks an already existing wound. Not to mention the flea bite.
Symptoms
From a few days following the injury up to three weeks, symptoms may appear. It is redness or of lump at the woundbut also of lymph nodes in the armpits, groin or neck.
Other more common symptoms may appear as fatiguefrom fevera loss of appetitea headache or muscle pain.
Treatment
Already it is recommended to use in prevention of anti-puces which are effective in preventing the cat from being infected with the bacteria and the latter from being infectious.
To cure the disease, it is necessary to know that the symptoms fade and disappear without sequelae in a few days or a few weeks. The lymph nodes can last for a few months. Pus may form. But not serious.
Nevertheless in 5% to 10% of infections, of the severe complications can develop and cause conjunctivitis, infection of the heart or even the lungs.
In these cases a antibiotic treatment will be needed.
Other diseases transmitted by cats
Other diseases can come from cats. It is also necessary to take into account the pasteurellosis, an infection caused by the bacillus Pasteurella multocida which is transmitted by scratching or biting. A few hours later, pain appears accompanied by redness, edema, pus in the wound and the appearance of lymph nodes. A antibiotic treatment is rigorous. Complications are skin abscess, joint infection that can spread to organs.
There is also the sporotrichosis, an infection, caused by the fungus Sporotrichum schenckii. Symptoms appear between 3 and 31 days or even up to 3 months following the cat’s scratch: they are papules or nodules and lymph nodes. The infection can spread to organs. A antifungal treatment is then prescribed.
1692648567
#Cat #scratch #disease #infection #caused #bacteria #dangerous #humans