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Cat scratch after THR

Posted , 5 users are following.

susanbaci
susanbaci

Just at 3 month post RTHR and my cat was returned home to me after being watched by a friend. Normally my cat rarely if ever scratches me but after an hour of her being back home she decided to get fresh and when I petted her, she decided to swipe my right hand near my palm. It's not at all like her but fair to her she was away from me and the transition was difficult for her being away from me for 3 months.

What worries me is that 5 years ago when I took her in, she tested positive for cat scratch fever. I treated her at that time with antibiotics but never retested her to see if that still harbors in her system. That was 5 years ago.

Now I'm concerned how this can effect my hip joint and do I need to be on an antibiotic just in case. She did break the skin. I pored alcohol on it till it burned, used hydrogen peroxide and then Neosporin. It's just a small scratch but I'm still worried. Happened late Friday night and I can't call my surgeon until Monday. Should I worry?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • susanbaci
    susanbaci

    Posted

    And the last thing I want to do is pick her up and put her in a bag to bring her to a vet because after being away from me so long, the sight of a cat bag may make her scratch again or worse yet bite me because she may fear me sending her off again.
    • sarah1996
      sarah1996 susanbaci

      Posted

      Some vets do home visits, maybe if you explaon you are recovering from surgery and arent in the position to get to a vet and explain the full situation, maybe they could come to you. Always worth a try x
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 susanbaci

    Posted

    The bacteria concerned is Bartonella spp and can be part of the normal flora of cats saliva. You were prompt and aggressive with your first aid treatment so have probably averted the need for an emergency consultation. However you may feel happier after consulting you surgeon or GP on Monday. To be honest the chances of the bacteria causing an infection in your joint are fairly remote, but possible, but I should keep an eye on any symptoms that would suggest you have cat scratch fever. Some labs do culture for the bacteria but a blood test is also available.
  • linda38528
    linda38528 susanbaci

    Posted

    No advice, just a quick hug and a bit of sympathy.

    Isn't it amazing how a scratch/snub like this hurts even if we understand the circumstances. It sounds as if you took good and quick action. No harm in checking in w your doc on Monday. And of course going to a clinic/emergency if any fever develops.

    Hugs,

    L

  • renee01952
    renee01952 susanbaci

    Posted

    hi susan, 

    she looks so adorable !!!!!

    checking in with you to find out how you are doing ...  just to make sure, I would see doctor Monday .... 

    big warm hug

    renee

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