How to treat cat scratch disease

How to treat cat scratch disease? Cat owners should pay attention. Do not take being scratched by a cat lightly. There is a possibility of cat scratch disease. Cat scratch disease is an infectious disease caused by a scratch or bite from a cat. So, how to treat cat scratch disease? Take a look at the treatment measures introduced below.

Symptoms and dangers of cat scratch disease:

Cat scratch disease is an infection that occurs mostly after being scratched, bitten or licked by a cat. The affected area and surrounding lymph nodes will become swollen, and fever is often accompanied. Sometimes the wound is not red or swollen, but the lymph nodes swell suddenly. The largest lump on the hand or armpit is as big as an egg.

If the symptoms worsen, it may also cause liver dysfunction, visual impairment and other symptoms. Due to the long incubation period, many patients do not associate the cause of the disease with cat bites. Generally speaking, if there is no lesion after two or three months, the disease will improve on its own. However, patients with weakened immune systems are likely to have their condition worsen, and may even invade other organs and cause spinal cord damage, paralysis, etc. Those with severe complications may die.

How is cat scratch disease treated?

The disease is mostly self-limited and usually heals within 2 to 4 months. There is no specific treatment yet, and symptomatic treatment is the main approach. Antipyretic and analgesic drugs can be used to reduce fever and relieve pain. When the lymph nodes are purulent, pus can be drained by puncture to relieve fever and systemic poisoning symptoms. Incision and drainage should not be performed to avoid the formation of fistulas. Antibiotics can be used in case of secondary infection.

To prevent this disease, you should avoid being scratched or bitten by cats. If you are scratched or bitten, you can apply iodine or alcohol locally.

1. General treatment: Those with fever should rest in bed and replenish nutrition and water. Patients with symptoms of acute encephalopathy should be treated according to routine neurological procedures.

2. Antibacterial treatment: Use antibacterial drugs such as amikacin, gentamicin or tobramycin, injected intravenously or intramuscularly, for 5 to 7 days.

3. Local wounds: Disinfect them.

4. Nursing:

1) According to general internal medicine nursing routine, patients do not need to be isolated.

2) Patients with high fever or severe lymph node swelling and pain should rest in bed, reduce activity, supplement with high-calorie, easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid food, and drink plenty of water.

3) Keep the scratched area clean and dry.

5. Prognosis

The prognosis is good. Except for those with severe encephalopathy, death is rare, and the mortality rate is <1%. When lymph node enlargement is >5 cm, the enlargement can often last for 1 to 2 years.

How can cat lovers prevent this cat scratch disease?

Many people know that they should get vaccinated immediately after being bitten by a dog, but we often ignore the danger after being scratched by a cat. Cat scratch disease is caused by human contact with a microorganism on cats and other domestic animals, namely infection with Bartonella henselae. The pathogens are mainly caused by contact or scratching or biting of the skin by domestic animals such as cats.

Therefore, the best way to prevent cat scratch disease is to reduce close contact with cats and other domestic animals. Once you are scratched by a cat, you should treat the wound immediately: use antibacterial drugs such as amikacin, gentamicin or tobramycin, inject intravenously or intramuscularly, and the course of treatment is 5-7 days; those with fever should rest in bed and replenish nutrition and water. Patients with symptoms of acute encephalopathy should be treated according to routine neurological procedures.