Swollen hand after being bitten by a cat. Picture - elsevier.com
Although there are many people who can live without any problem with one or several beautiful felines, there are those who can have a very bad time if they receive scratches or bites, even contracting a disease known as bartonellosis or Cat-scratch disease.
It is a problem that, once symptoms appear, the person may require medical attention.
What Causes Cat Scratch Disease?
This sickness is caused by bacteria Bartonella henselae, which is spread through contact with an infected cat, either by bite, scratch or by contact with the animal's saliva on wounds or eyes.
Within 2 to 3 weeks of being infected, the lymph nodes become swollen at the site where it has been scratched or bitten. In some cases, an infected node can tunnel or fistula through the skin and drain.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of this disease are the following:
- Bump or blisters at the injury site
- General discomfort
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes near the injury
- Lymph node discharge
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Weight loss
- Inapetence
Diagnosis and treatment
If you have swollen lymph nodes, you should go to the doctor. There, they will make you a Physical exam and, if deemed appropriate, a lymph node biopsy. If the diagnosis is confirmed, you should know that in many cases it is not treated, unless you have a depressed immune system in which case they would prescribe antibiotics.
Can it be prevented?
Yes, Sure. You can do several things:
- Wash your hands well after playing with the cat.
- Teach him to not bite and do not scratch.
- Get your cat examined for bartenollosis (symptoms are: anemia, weight loss, sudden fever, rapid heartbeat, pale mucous membranes, heart murmur, hypothermia), and for treatment.
Have you heard of cat scratch disease?