Cat Scratch Fever (no, not the song)

[kirei_na_me]

In the past couple of days, my son has developed some pretty nasty swollen lymph nodes behind his ears and on his neck. Well, me, being an anxious person anyway, instantly goes into thinking he has something deadly. I still have it in the back of my mind, but anyway...

I took him to his ear, nose, and throat specialist today, and he says he has Cat Scratch Fever/Disease. I knew this was an actual sickness, but I didn't know anything much about it and still don't.

My question is this: Do any of you know anything about Cat Scratch Fever? I am worried sick(almost literally) and would really appreciate any insight you can offer. I know they say it is transmitted through a bite or scratch of a cat, but my cat is declawed and hasn't bitten my son. My son was also around my uncle's cat, but that cat didn't scratch or bite him either. I'm so confused and I'm also scared...

 

[syntax]

The specialist was able to tell that it is a Cat Scratch Fever but did not tell what it is?
I don't know it either but shouldn't you receive this information by the doctor/specialist himself?

 

[kirei_na_me]

I am just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this illness. If anyone has had it or knows someone who has had it.

The specialist told me about it, of course, but I just wanted to get some non-physician insight if I could.

 

[lexico]

You probably already have this; but just in case, some links.

Wikipedia on Cat scratch fever which basically says unless there's a problem with the immune system, the infection usually goes away as the body responds with antibodies.
CDC link
Michigan.gov
Cat scratch fever- a real medical condition
Cat Scratch Fever Symptoms List
Links: Philadelphia Medical Mall
Links: 2020 Search

Wish your child speedy recovery.
Lex

 

[Davey]

sorry to hear this first of all, and i hope it will be okay!!!

i think lexico put the most basic information about it here, if you have more qeustions please ask and i will google around for ya!

best of luck

Dave

 

[kirei_na_me]

Thank you so much, lexico. Those are different from the links I've been reading. Thank you very much.

Thank you too, Dave.

It's good to know people care. I'm really upset by all of this, because this is the sickest I've seen any of my kids. I know it might seem silly to some people, because there are so many worse things that could happen(I think), but it just hurts so much to see your child sick.

Thank you both.

 

[Davey]

no worries kirei

xxx ( x is dutch kiss)

 

[misa.j]

kirei,
I'm really sorry to hear that your son is sick. I hope he gets better soon. I've heard about infections caused by animals, but I don't have much info. on this one, sorry.

This disease seems to go away on its own and not special treatment is needed, though. Here is a link I found.
Cat-Scratch Disease | DrGreene.com

I know children have better immune system than most adults, so your son will be fine. Don't worry. *hug*

 

[RockLee]

If they have their mom's spirit they'll be fine Rach ;-) ! I heard about this before and it's not that bad..only looks bad..fever,swollen bodyparts..but it'll go away

The bacteria "Bartonella henselae" is the evildoer.

 

[kirei_na_me]

Thank you for the link, Misa!

And thank you too, Dave, for the encouragement.

I thought he was a little better this morning, but it seems it comes and goes. The doctor told me yesterday that it might take a good 4-6 weeks to get over it. He said the fever could go on for 2 weeks. I might have to be put in an asylum by the time the 4-6 weeks is up...

 

[Davey]

fever for 2 weeks wow that is hard!!!! keep us updated kirei~

 

[Mycernius]

My youngest cat scratched me and I ended up with a very itchy rash on my arms and legs. Went in about a week, but drove me crazy. Hope he recovers soon. Keep us updated.
Mike

 

[kirei_na_me]

Well, he's getting better. The thing is, the painful lymph nodes in his neck caused him to hold his head to one side, and that created like a muscle spasm, which has added to the problem. He still has the swollen lymph nodes, but there are positives: the fever is gone, the neck is getting a little more limber, he's eating like crazy, and he's back to playing and fighting with his brothers.

Thank you all for your concern. You people are the best bunch on the internet.

 

[RockLee]

U'r welcome anytime !!!

 

[misa.j]

I'm glad to hear that, kirei!

he's back to playing and fighting with his brothers.

That's great! He's definitely feeling better!

 

[Davey]

glad to hear is feeling better kirei!!!!

 

[Mycernius]

glad to hear is feeling better kirei!!!!

Ditto for me too. It is not nice being ill.