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Cat Scratch Disease:

An infectious illness caused by bacteria, cat scratch disease is apparently transmitted by cat scratches, bites, or exposure to cat’s saliva which can result in swelling of the lymph nodes near the occurrence of the scratch or bite.  While this ailment is not life-threatening or considered to be a serious ailment among humans, it’s important to know exactly what makes up this disease.  Also known as cat scratch fever, this benign infectious disease is most commonly found in children after one to two weeks of a cat scratch. 

As for the first symptom of cat scratch disease, lymph nodes will start to swell after exposure and may persist for months.  The swelling may occur where the initial scratch or bite, followed by enlarged lymph nodes near the injury.  If you or someone you know have made recent contact with a cat you may not necessarily notice the symptoms. After all, some are more apparent than others.

The first sign however would be a bump or slight blister at the site of the injury.  Then, you’ll notice a slight swelling of the lymph nodes where the skin was injured. Whether it was a bite or scratch it matters not, the lymph nodes will still appear to be somewhat swollen.  Fever is common in about one-third of patients though it’s not necessarily a sign of this disease.  Fatigue, however, is a common symptom of someone who has had contact with a cat.  Other primary symptoms are headaches or generally not feeling well.  While these symptoms are common, they may also be symptoms of cat allergies so you may think you’re affected by one ailment but in reality you’re afflicted by another. 

Less apparent symptoms of cat scratch disease include weight loss, loss of appetite, an enlarged spleen, sore throat, and draining lymph nodes.  Again, if you’re experiencing these symptoms it may equate to another ailment you’re suffereing from.  If so, your doctor may ask you if you’ve had recent contact with a cat which resulted in a scratch or injury to determine if this is the cause of the swelling of the lymph nodes.

Additional tests to diagnose cat scratch disease include bartonella blood tests, another test which uses fluid or tissue from a lymph node, a lymph node biopsy (this will rule out other reasons as to why the glands are swollen), as well as a skin test.

Once cat scratch disease is diagnosed keep in mind that it’s not serious.  Medical treatment is typically not needed however in severe cases antiobiotics are prescribed.  If the patient has suppressed immune systems such as an AIDS patient, treatment of antibiotics is highly recommended.

Although cat scratch disease isn’t entirely dangerous or life-threatening, it can be prevented.  Experts suggest avoiding contacts with cats is one way to prevent the disease. In cases where this is not realistic, it’s important to wash one’s hands after playing with a cat as well as avoiding scratches, bites, and interaction with cat saliva.

For more information about cat scratch disease contact your vet or click here to see more questions you can ask your vet.