smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Oct 8, 2015 16:27:35 GMT
My cat was sleeping at the foot of my bed on Tuesday night. Something freaked him the heck out, and he just peeled out of my bed. Unfortunately he used my foot as traction and I have two pretty deep cuts on my foot from his back claws. OMG - it hurt so bad!
Anyway, I just grabbed a tissue to dry up the blood and went back to sleep (it was around 3 in the morning). I did put some antibiotic ointment on it the next day, but it still hurts! It's pretty red and inflamed but I don't *think* it's infected. I think it may just be red because my shoe rubs it.
My bff is convinced I have cat scratch fever and that I need to go to the ER. I think she is being ridiculous. My cat has only been outside once in his life and that was about 4 years ago. I say it just takes some time to heal and it will be fine soon. If it helps you decide, I do have Type 1 diabetes with zero complications, and she is convinced they are going to hack my foot off.
So who's right?
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,605
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Oct 8, 2015 16:29:23 GMT
I don't know that it's cat scratch fever but people can get some serious infections from cat scratches. If it's still pretty painful I'd head to urgent care just to have someone take a quick look at it.
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Post by bigbundt on Oct 8, 2015 16:33:52 GMT
I have a friend who freaks out over cat bites and was surprised that I have never gone to a doctor for one of those. It honestly never occurred to me! I've had deep cat scratches and they do have a tendency to become infected because they scratch in their litter box. But I never go to the doctor, I just wash and put on a triple antibiotic cream with a clean bandaid twice a day. Usually the redness and pain will go away within a day or so. I don't know if diabetes complicates things but I guess if redness and pain would continue I would have it looked at.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 6, 2024 0:20:46 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2015 16:36:32 GMT
It wouldn't hurt to have a professional check for infection, but if it was cat scratch fever, you'd have other symptoms. Like a fever. You'd also feel pretty bad and most likely have swelling in the lymph nodes.
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likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
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Aug 16, 2014 17:52:53 GMT
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Post by likescarrots on Oct 8, 2015 16:36:53 GMT
Is it swollen at all? I think you would be in a lot more pain, and wouldn't be able to walk if it was badly infected. I would just keep an eye on it but i don't think you have cat scratch fever.
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mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
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Post by mlana on Oct 8, 2015 16:40:19 GMT
For some reason, I thought cats caused CSF because of their litter box habits, with fecal matter being caught under their claws infecting any scratches they made and the resulting infection could cause heart damage.
I would pay close attention to any scratches and if they became inflames, as yours have, I'd head to the dr or clinic.
Marcy
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Oct 8, 2015 16:44:50 GMT
For some reason, I thought cats caused CSF because of their litter box habits, with fecal matter being caught under their claws infecting any scratches they made and the resulting infection could cause heart damage. I would pay close attention to any scratches and if they became inflames, as yours have, I'd head to the dr or clinic. Marcy I googled it and apparently CSF comes from fleas and flea dirt. Neither of which is an issue with my cat. I will definitely keep an eye on it though. It still hurts a lot, but he did basically use two of his biggest razor blades to cut me! I think he knows he hurt me though - he's been oddly affectionate since.
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Post by khaleesi on Oct 8, 2015 16:45:18 GMT
I would not run to my nearest emergency room but I would probably try and be seen at a clinic. Without knowing where it is on your foot, can you change shoes for a day or two to see if the redness goes away if it is not rubbing against something? If so, I would do that while continuing to keep it clean and protected and then evaluate. If it suddenly swells or the redness seems to spread I would head in without a second though.
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Post by Darcy Collins on Oct 8, 2015 16:46:47 GMT
For some reason, I thought cats caused CSF because of their litter box habits, with fecal matter being caught under their claws infecting any scratches they made and the resulting infection could cause heart damage. I would pay close attention to any scratches and if they became inflames, as yours have, I'd head to the dr or clinic. Marcy Actually CSF is in the saliva of the cat. It's transferred to their feet/claws as they're so good about cleaning their paws. The bacteria causing CSF is found in fleas, so if your cat has ever had a flea problem they could have contracted the bacteria which would not impact the health of the cat at all. You will usually see signs of CSF 3+ days later - low grade fever, swelling and pain at injury site, swelling of lymph nodes etc. I think because you have diabetes, and it's your foot, I would monitor extremely closely to make sure it's healing well and there's no sign of infection (any HEAT whatsoever, I'd go in). It's much more likely that you'll pick up a normal infection than CSF, but it's more dangerous with diabetes (assuming your doctor offers you the same advice that my dad hears - which is to watch extremities extremely closely for any sign of infection)
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Oct 8, 2015 16:46:45 GMT
I have a friend who freaks out over cat bites and was surprised that I have never gone to a doctor for one of those. It honestly never occurred to me! I've had deep cat scratches and they do have a tendency to become infected because they scratch in their litter box. But I never go to the doctor, I just wash and put on a triple antibiotic cream with a clean bandaid twice a day. Usually the redness and pain will go away within a day or so. I don't know if diabetes complicates things but I guess if redness and pain would continue I would have it looked at. I personally don't think my case of diabetes complicates things since I am in good health and my immune system is not compromised. I just think that some people (my friend) go to an extreme way of thinking sometime anytime diabetes and feet are mentioned in the same sentence
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Oct 8, 2015 16:49:54 GMT
it's only been a couple days, and your shoe rubs on it? If you're not worried about how you heal (since you have diabetes), I would totally not worry about it and give it some more time.
(by the way, WebMD says that in most cases, cat scratch fever resolves itself even if someone does contract it... and less than half of cats carry the bacteria that causes it.)
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Post by giatocj on Oct 8, 2015 16:57:59 GMT
I endured a very serious infection from a cat scratch when I was 10 (reason 812 why I am NOT a fan of cats) and had to have my hand lanced open in the ER to drain it. It was painful and disgusting. I would most definitely have it checked out...even at a Minute Clinic at CVS or something. You KNOW where cat feet have been and it's not pretty.
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Post by kandie on Oct 8, 2015 17:30:43 GMT
keep an eye on it. If any drainage, increasing redness or increased pain, see an MD. As long as it looks moist, keep it covered and apply antibiotic ointment. Be sure to look at it a least twice a day to make sure it is not getting worse.
type 1 diabetics often has neuropathy, which makes them have decreased feeling in ones feet. If you do have neuropathy I would be checking that wound more often
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mlana
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
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Post by mlana on Oct 8, 2015 17:35:57 GMT
For some reason, I thought cats caused CSF because of their litter box habits, with fecal matter being caught under their claws infecting any scratches they made and the resulting infection could cause heart damage. I would pay close attention to any scratches and if they became inflames, as yours have, I'd head to the dr or clinic. Marcy I googled it and apparently CSF comes from fleas and flea dirt. Neither of which is an issue with my cat. I will definitely keep an eye on it though. It still hurts a lot, but he did basically use two of his biggest razor blades to cut me! I think he knows he hurt me though - he's been oddly affectionate since. I'm sorry, I should have been more clear. I had that perception about the cause of CSF until I googled it. LOL That's when I realized I was wrong about the cause. Still, if by inflamed you meant very swollen and red all around the wounds, I would have it checked. If you just meant a little raised and red on the scratch itself, I would wait. Sorry for the lack of clarity, I am having one of those days. Marcy
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Oct 8, 2015 17:50:57 GMT
I contracted cat scratch fever from some new kittens we adopted many years ago. The scratches stayed red and inflamed. Other indications included flu-like symptoms. According to the doctor, it "settled" in a lymph node in my groin and I ended up undergoing outpatient surgery to have the lymph node removed.
I went on to have many more cats as pets, but I've never taken a scratch or bite lightly again.
For peace of mind, it can't hurt to have it checked.
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
RefuPea #2956
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Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Oct 8, 2015 18:06:29 GMT
I would keep an eye on it. I had 2 cats, we had to put one down and then about a week later, the other cat had this sore at his hind end. Took him to the vet, it was an abscess. Asked how a house cat could get that and he wasn't sure. I think before we put the other cat down, he may have bit him or scratched him. Both were inside cats.
Hope it feels better soon!
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Post by disneypal on Oct 8, 2015 18:07:30 GMT
Well...I don't know what the symptoms of Cat Scratch Fever is but it wouldn't hurt to have it looked at.
My cousin had an indoor cat that scratched her and it became very red and inflamed and the next day her arm was almost twice its normal size. The doctors said it was good thing she came in (she ended up being hospitalized) because if she waited, she may have lost her arm!! They never said it was Cat Scratch Fever, just a bad infection.
I would see if I could have it looked at before the weekend, you may need some antibiotics.
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Post by not2peased on Oct 8, 2015 19:53:37 GMT
a friend of mine had a cat bite that got infected overnight and required surgery-the infection was encapsulated in the joint.
cat scratches and bites are nothing to sneeze at-at the first sign of infection-I'd go to the doctor. things can turn ugly, very very quickly
I don't know that I would be freaking about cat scratch fever per se, but an infection-heck ya
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Oct 8, 2015 19:55:58 GMT
My friend is thrilled that the Peas have vindicated her! I will keep an eye on it, and if it still hurts, I will run up to the CVS clinic. Thanks for the input, everyone. My cat owes me big time
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marimoose
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,282
Jul 22, 2014 2:10:14 GMT
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Post by marimoose on Oct 8, 2015 20:12:16 GMT
I am one of the odd ones out again - I would have done what you did, washed it and thrown antibiotic cream on it. If I went to the doctor every time I got scratched, which I had some pretty darned good ones,I would be broke. I have several light scars from some scratches from many years ago - my cat I think believed I was a scratching post. My scratches always swell up red and puffy. I think we all have different physical reactions. I would keep it clean and watch it. If it were a bite, I would feel differently. My cat bit my dad, putting him in the hospital for nearly 2 weeks due to that bite. The cat had gotten into the backyard and a storm was coming so my dad was trying to bring him in and he wasn't a willing participant and bit my dad. The night before they were going to have to go in for surgery, his body began reacting positively to the meds. Cat bites are the worst. Despite the bite, my dad loved my cat and when I moved would not let me take him with me.
I hope that your scratches began a healthy itching soon so you know you are healing up. If the swelling increases or you have any of the other mentioned symptoms and excessive pain then you know to see a doc. I follow my instincts often. Dang kitty claws...
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,701
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Oct 8, 2015 20:21:58 GMT
And since we love pics - Here's one of the culprit, Paul.
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Deleted
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May 6, 2024 0:20:46 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2015 20:23:59 GMT
I will tell you my experience with it. My son was scratched by an indoor cat and ended up with cat scratch fever. To tell if the red spot was spreading, the nurse drew around the outside with a pen. If it went beyond that make in the next half hour, he was being admitted for intravenous antibiotics. It spread.
There were all kinds of other complications (allergy to the antibiotic, horrible reaction to the next antibiotic ect) but he did get better in a few days.
I'd have it checked.
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Deleted
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May 6, 2024 0:20:46 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2015 20:26:00 GMT
And Paul is freaking adorable. He looks exactly like my cat.
Honestly, I'd draw around any redness and see if it spreads.
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Post by scrapmaven on Oct 8, 2015 20:37:22 GMT
Paul is so cute and furry. That's why he gets away w/being so naughty. Cats are great until they get aggressive. Then they're great, again. Our cats know how to play us. Hoping you're fine and this is nothing to worry about.
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
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Jun 26, 2014 0:09:18 GMT
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Post by Peamac on Oct 8, 2015 20:54:27 GMT
I have a friend who was in a coma and nearly died from cat scratch fever. However, I thought it was only from feral kitties, not 4+ year old inside pet cats.
I don't know who's right, but I'd get it looked at,especially with your diabetes which could cause complications.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Oct 8, 2015 20:56:15 GMT
Paul is cute! (and me, personally? I'd just put some Neosporin on it, if that, and just let it heal. I've had cats for over 20 years, plenty of scratches, and never had any sort of a bad infection yet. My mom got bit once when the cat snuck outside and got freaked out by it; now that one needed a doctor. But 'regular' everyday scratches? I've never worried about them.)
eta: Paul looks a lot like our cat Ariel; she does the same sort of 'kitty-flop' thing! (she even sleeps like that occasionally; if she does, I'll check on her once or twice just to make sure she's breathing, lol!)
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,151
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Oct 8, 2015 22:31:58 GMT
I think you're good with watching it as long as you keep a good eye on it. People tend to freak with cat bites/scratches.
I've had a few experiences and they differ. I survived a cat bit this summer without incident (poor cat mistakenly bit me while I was giving him a pill.) I did clean it well even with rubbing alcohol since amazingly enough it didn't sting too much. On the other hand Dad got a scratch or bite from a cat and ended up in the ER getting IV antibiotics.
I don't necessarily think you need to be seen unless you are seeing signs of infection, then i'd take care of it asap. Otherwise keep it very clean and watch it.
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Post by Meri-Lyn on Oct 8, 2015 22:32:29 GMT
My cat was sleeping at the foot of my bed on Tuesday night. Something freaked him the heck out, and he just peeled out of my bed. Unfortunately he used my foot as traction and I have two pretty deep cuts on my foot from his back claws. OMG - it hurt so bad! Anyway, I just grabbed a tissue to dry up the blood and went back to sleep (it was around 3 in the morning). I did put some antibiotic ointment on it the next day, but it still hurts! It's pretty red and inflamed but I don't *think* it's infected. I think it may just be red because my shoe rubs it. My bff is convinced I have cat scratch fever and that I need to go to the ER. I think she is being ridiculous. My cat has only been outside once in his life and that was about 4 years ago. I say it just takes some time to heal and it will be fine soon. If it helps you decide, I do have Type 1 diabetes with zero complications, and she is convinced they are going to hack my foot off. So who's right? Last year, I tried to break up a cat fight, and guess who got caught in the middle. Miles had taken a huge chunk out of my hand in about three places. Ironically enough, I had my annual exam that afternoon and showed it to the NP, as it was pretty red and angry. She basically told me to do the same thing you are doing, keep an eye on it and apply Neosporin. Since they were my own cats, there was no chance of rabies or anything like that. It lasted that way for about 3 or 4 days and then it calmed down and started healing. Well, that weekend, I happened to go over to the in-laws. Step MIL had a fit, just like your BFF. She also was convinced I had Cat Scratch Fever, even though I told her I had already had someone look at it. You should be fine. Keep an eye on it, especially make sure the wounds are healing, with the diabetes. But I agree that BFF is probably reacting. Some one hears animal scratch (particularly a cat) and tend to think the worse.
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Post by Zee on Oct 8, 2015 22:36:51 GMT
I've had many scratches over the past 43 years from various cats, none of which have ever gotten infected, so I'd be inclined to just do what you're doing (which is the same thing I would have done). I'd go in only if it looked like it was getting infected or not healing.
A cat bite that draws blood, I would go in right away to have it irrigated and get antibiotics, but not a scratch or a surface bite.
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Post by genny on Oct 9, 2015 1:57:35 GMT
I took my cat to the vet a few years back. As I was taking him out of the cat carrier he went apeshit yowling, spitting and scratching (he doesn't like going to the vet obviously) and tore my chest up. I had 3 crazy long, deep scratches from my throat down. The vet actually cleaned them, put on antibiotic ointment and bandaged them for me. It was pretty ugly.
He recommended that if the redness and swelling didn't go down the next day that I should go to the dr and get an antibiotic. Those scratches hurt like hell!! The redness stayed a couple of days but the initial swelling went down so I never went to the doctor about it. It cleared up on it's own just like any other scratch. He was an indoor/outdoor cat.
hope it gets better quickly - Iknow how bad they can hurt!
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