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Suggest Treatment For Cat Scratch

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Posted on Sat, 12 Jul 2014
Question: Okay so I was trying to help a stray kitten in my neighborhood and got scratched and also bit she broke the skin I didn't think about it first and waited about 10 minutes before I washed my hands and forearm I have been reading about cat scratch fever and it is really scary should I go to the ER right now? I don't know what to do please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen G (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
you need vaccination for rabies at the earliest...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Stray kitten is known to transmit cat scratch disease and rabies. I would be more concerned about rabies here as it is 100% fatal but it is 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment. Further. most cases of cat scratch disease are benign and self-limiting and people will clear the infection without any treatment.

But prevention of getting rabies is very important as it is very very fatal. I would suggest you to follow
1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Active immunization with anti rabies vaccine on days 0,3,7,14 and 28, should be taken to shoulder. Observe the cat for 10 days, if it is healthy you can stop last two shots of anti rabies vaccine.
3. If there is any bleeding from the bite site, you need to take passive immunization with rabies immunoglobulins (RIGs) around the wound.
4. Inj TT should be taken, if you have not taken any shot in last five years.
5. Tab Augmentin, 625 mg, twice daily should be taken for five days to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

Though there are no immediate health concerns, I would recommend the aforementioned steps at the earliest. You can either visit the ER or the urgent care clinic at the earliest. Alternatively you can try any of the free community clinic and receive the aforementioned vaccines at the earliest.

Hope this answer will clear all the doubts associated with kitten scratch and bite. If you have any further query feel free to post them.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Praveen G (6 hours later)
actually that didn't clear any doubt at all it made it worse. that kitten doesn't have rabies it has no signs of it.........I was bitten 10 hours ago is it to late to get a rabies shot
doctor
Answered by Dr. Praveen G (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is my pleasure to answer your query,

It is not late, you can take shots of anti rabies vaccine even after 10 hours after the bite.

I would suggest you to consult your ER for proper and complete treatment as per the WHO guidelines.

Still if you have any further query, feel free to post them.
Thank you.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Praveen G

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2448 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Cat Scratch

Brief Answer: you need vaccination for rabies at the earliest... Detailed Answer: Hello, Stray kitten is known to transmit cat scratch disease and rabies. I would be more concerned about rabies here as it is 100% fatal but it is 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment. Further. most cases of cat scratch disease are benign and self-limiting and people will clear the infection without any treatment. But prevention of getting rabies is very important as it is very very fatal. I would suggest you to follow 1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. 2. Active immunization with anti rabies vaccine on days 0,3,7,14 and 28, should be taken to shoulder. Observe the cat for 10 days, if it is healthy you can stop last two shots of anti rabies vaccine. 3. If there is any bleeding from the bite site, you need to take passive immunization with rabies immunoglobulins (RIGs) around the wound. 4. Inj TT should be taken, if you have not taken any shot in last five years. 5. Tab Augmentin, 625 mg, twice daily should be taken for five days to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Though there are no immediate health concerns, I would recommend the aforementioned steps at the earliest. You can either visit the ER or the urgent care clinic at the earliest. Alternatively you can try any of the free community clinic and receive the aforementioned vaccines at the earliest. Hope this answer will clear all the doubts associated with kitten scratch and bite. If you have any further query feel free to post them. Thank you.