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Scratched by a shelter resident

post #1 of 11
1/12/06 at 8:02pm
Thread Starter 
I don't know if this is the right place for this thread, but it seemed health related, so I put it here.

I was helping restrain a cat last night for a temp check, and someone decided to bring a big Rottweiler into the room. Of course, the cat didn't like it, and I received a few deep scratches from him.

This morning, the cat tested positive for roundworms. I know this is transferred by feces, and seeing as cats like to "cover" their messes, I'm not sure if I should be worried or not.

The scratches on my arm are just fine, but I have three on my stomach that are red, raised, and painful. What are the chances that I may have an infection or something worse? I assume its pretty slim, but I wanted to make sure.

thanks!
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post #2 of 11
1/12/06 at 8:06pm
Not slim at all. If you have a bathtub, fill it with as hot of water as you can stand and add Epsom salts. Do a soak, make sure your scratches are under water. Do this several times a day and when you get out, put some neosporin on them as well. Cat Scratch Fever does exist- here is a good link about it-

Cat Scratch Disease
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post #3 of 11
1/12/06 at 8:12pm
Thread Starter 
Oh wow. I'm glad I asked.
I have a lowered immune system as well..so I should be on the watch for some of those symptoms.

I'll be getting in the tub in a minute.


Thank you so much.
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post #4 of 11
1/12/06 at 8:15pm
No problem, I handle ferals and abused kitties all the time. I get scratched frequently
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post #5 of 11
1/13/06 at 7:55am
eupnea,
I also have a weakened immune system. In the past when I've had a serious scratch I've had to go on antibiotics. Really watch, and if it seems it's getting infected, get to the doc. Epson salts baths are great, but not always enough for us immune challenged people.
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post #6 of 11
1/13/06 at 12:50pm
Keep your tetanus shots up to date, clean any scratches immediately with something like Betadine, and at the least sign of swelling or fever, get yourself to the ER. Cat scratches can be dangerous for anybody, let alone those with compromised immune systems (I know that from experience).
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post #7 of 11
1/13/06 at 1:22pm
I get scratches all the time. I am a great believer in hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, and washing hands frequently with antibacterial soap.

I didn't know epsom salts was good for open wounds though. Will have to give it a try.
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post #8 of 11
1/13/06 at 4:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kbak
eupnea,
I also have a weakened immune system. In the past when I've had a serious scratch I've had to go on antibiotics. Really watch, and if it seems it's getting infected, get to the doc. Epson salts baths are great, but not always enough for us immune challenged people.
So far there isnt any swelling, but the area is tender and I've got a bit of a fever. I'm sort of embarassed, but I think I'll go to the doctor tomorrow. No one knows this cat's history, so I'd rather be safe than sorry.
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post #9 of 11
1/14/06 at 11:04am
eupnea,
You have nothing to be embarassed about! Cat scracthes and bites can be serious. I've had to be on antibiotics everytime I've gotten scratched by a cat other than my own cat. I'm just so susceptible to infection.
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post #10 of 11
1/14/06 at 11:11am
I got bit by a not too friendly cat at the shelter I worked at and it was pretty deep. I had the scrub it with this iodine stuff. That was pretty painful, the scrubbing. I was doing it lightly and then the humane officer came up to me was picked up the scrub and said, 'no like this' and scrubbed really hard! Ouch! But we didn't want it to get infected hehe, so I had to bear with the pain to clean it out!

Tetnus shots help too and they last like 5 years or something.
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post #11 of 11
1/14/06 at 6:06pm
I once had a feral cat get into my home thru an open skylight. I was sleeping and was woke up to my exhusband asking me if I had brought in another cat. I went to get the cat outside, and I was only in my night shirt when somehow he bit me in my upper thigh on the side of it. I didn't think anything of it cause it really didnt hurt, I went back to bed. About 2 days later it was so infected it swelled up as big as a grapefruit!!! We had a friend who was a vet that was a friend of ours, and I told him what happened, he had his wife look at it, and he told me I was probably getting Pasteurella. Any way to make a long story short I had to go the doctor, and they had to drain it and keep the wound open. I had to take Erythromycin. The doctor had to call the state health people to see if I needed to get rabies shots. Lucky for me I didn't have to go through all that. I do remember how painful that incident was!!! I did have to get a tetanus shot
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