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my mother was scratched by her outside cat 1 week ago. Two ...

Sent to Health Experts January 15 10:58 PM

my mother was scratched by her outside cat 1 week ago. Two days after the incident her hand began to swell and has in unreal pain. The ER doctor told her it was cat scratch fever and gave her antibotics through an IV and told her to take motrin. She is still unable to use her hand and the pain and swelling is the same. Understand my mother is a warrior...I''m worried it''s more serious. Can u tell me more about this disease/condition? Thank you.

 

Optional Information:
Male, Age: 2

Already Tried:
IV antibotics and oral antibotics.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
January 15 11:02 PM (4 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
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Hi Customer (name blocked for privacy),

Bartonellosis, or Cat Scratch Fever, is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. Most cats have no signs of illness. It can be easily diagnosed with a blood test at your veterinarian's office. The blood will need to be sent to an outside lab, and the vet will get the results in a couple of days. If your cat is positive, they can be treated with a course of antibiotics to clear the disease from them.
Cat Scratch Fever is more of a problem for people, than for the cats. The syndrome is usually characterized by swollen glands (lymph nodes) near the involved bite or scratch. Some people will develop a blister or pimple at the site of the scratch, and then get painful enlarged lymph nodes in 3-10 days. Other signs are mild fever, chills, malaise, anorexia, myalgia, and nausea. If your mother's symptoms do not seem to get better over the next 24-48 hours, she should go back in to see her doctor for an evaluation.
I hope that this information is of help to you, and that your Mom feels better soon. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Dr. K



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January 15 11:05 PM (2 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         
my biggest concern is that she is unable to move her hand and it's been a week. will there be permanent damage...should she be worried>
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January 15 11:08 PM (2 minutes and 32 seconds later)
         
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