Yesterday some friends and I noticed a chipmunk scrambling around on top of a big rock where my cat was sitting. At some points the chipmunk would just sit there next to the cat.
We were amazed and wondered why the chipmunk didn't run away from the cat...or us when we approached it. It was very strange. I think my cat didn't attack it because she didn't know what to make of it either. Anyway, that's not the main point of the story :-)
I picked up the cat to make sure it wouldn't get the chipmunk and it jumped out of my arms scratching me on the wrist in the process. I didn't notice any mark then but last night the tendon which runs down my left thumb (same hand that got the scratch on the wrist) began to get painful.
Today I notice that the scratch is visble, mildly infected and hurts when I press on it. The part of my thumb which extends to the wrist is also stiff and sore to move. I am on Biaxin.
Does anyone have experience with bartonella and what antibiotics work best for it...just in case? Also, I guess any germ on a cat's claw could cause a mild infection, right?
Thanks :-)
Posted by jaime1978 (Member # 11786) on :
this can be pretty serious. my aunt got either bit or scratched by a cat, and I know my cousing actually had "cat scratch fever", it is a real thing. both had to be on IV abx. I would bring it up to the doctor.
I had a bad cat scratch, and they gave me a tetnus shot as well....
definitly talk to the doc about it.
Posted by LuLuFlorida (Member # 12066) on :
Cats carry many bacteria and when one scratches or bites you, you should inform your doctor ecspecially if you are showing signs of infection.
I used to work at a vetenary hospital and it was mandatory to go on antibiotics whenever anybody who worked there got bite/scratch by an animal and had to make sure that there tetnus is up to date (last two years I think).
The antibiotic they used to prescribe was augmentin so I am not sure if biaxin would work. Better to be safe then sorry.
Posted by nan (Member # 63) on :
You can have the the cat tested and that might put your mind at ease provided the test is negative.
The fact that you have pain is indicative of infection, so the above advice to see a doctor sounds like a good idea.
Biaxin is commonly used to treat skin and respiratory infections.
Strange chipmunk! Posted by perplexed (Member # 1913) on :
I got scrated on my big toe and bit by my cat when I accidentally stepped on her hard. I ended up with cellulitis of the toe.....very serious. I was given Azithomycin...Z Pak and a tetunus shot and a return visit to my doctor. Do not fool with that.
But, I still love my cat..LOL
I also sooked my toe in epsom salts and water...what an experience. Now I carefully walk around my cat.
Hugs, Perplexed
Posted by daystar1952 (Member # 3255) on :
Thanks so much for all the helpful responses. I guess I will call my LLMD who is in another state.
Did the epsom salt soak help you? They say magnesium may even have some immune enhancing or antibacterial qualities.
Also...what is Z Pak? Thanks again so much!
Margie
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Mepron and biaxin helped me. The chipmonk may have rabies??Posible
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Cats are known to carry more bad bacteria in their mouths as compared to other animals.
I got bit by my cat, whom I was trying to save, accidentally back in January.
After taking the cat to the emergency vet, I was told under no uncertain terms to get to the ER.
I did. Received IV levaquin to only find out later that I was already covered with doxy.
Was one of the worst nights in my life.....and my cat died.
The levaquin gave me such a herx. Then they had me taking augmentin along with doxy for seven days.
Can we say yeast?????
Do not play around with scratches from animals (especially cats) who are inside/outside pets.
Remember those cats use those nails to catch and hold rodents and other lovely creatures.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by DanP (Member # 7501) on :
I was attacked Sunday by a friend's vicious cat. It seems the cat both bit and scratched .... blood was copious.
Both my GP here and my LLMD by phone wanted me on abx. So I'm on the Augmentin that the GP prescribed. The LLMD prescribed Cipro. I'm not sure why 2 diff abx were prescribed.
But I was already on Malarone for babs and a lot of Dr. Z's herbs for Lyme and babs.
Seems that cat attacks men only.
I'm bringing a big dog next time I visit. - Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
Oh my gosh, I get scratched and bitten by cats almost every day, I have 6 of them, 5 of them feral rescues and the worst biter is the one I have had since kittenhood- the non-feral rescue cat!!! The other ones raised her and that is why!!!
Cipro is great for Bartonella-
Posted by Laurie (Member # 159) on :
PEROXIDE PEROXIDE PEROXIDE. Full strength!!!
My "Buddy" had Bart when I adopted him, but my LLMD said this is NOT the type of Bart people get from ticks, and thus the only worry with a cat scratch is Cat Scratch Fever.
So when I do get scratched - and I was warned that my immune system is better off not being scratched - I pour hydrogen peroxide full strength on the scratch(es) and irrigate until the scratch no longer foams. It oxygenates the wound, and so far, no problems - just keep doing it (after washing with soap and water, of course) for a couple of days if necessary.
And leave it to you, Ms. M., for starting off this question with an anecdote of your cat and a really lucky chipmunk. Posted by lymebytes (Member # 11830) on :
I have had cats my whole life, usually many at a time and been bitten and scratched numerous times. After all those years and learning I had LD, I only had a mild case of Bart. But who knows if that was from tick or flea bites or cats, just unknown.
Biaxin is the sister drug of Azithro and works for Bartonella according to my LLMD, pres of Ilads (Dr. S)and has worked for me.
Cat scratch fever, the original Bartonella, is different from BLO (Bartonella Like Organism) that is transfered by ticks from what I understand.
Usually cat scratches from adult cats are harmless, kitten bites and scratches more dangerous.
I wouldn't worry, but I'd mention it to my LLMD or call him/her I don't know if it is possible to get a different kind of skin infection that may require likely a cephalsporin abx. I have heard bites and scratches can cause tetnus. I'd also do some "google" research on cat/scratches and bites.
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