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| Da Boyz have discovered the big window! |
The veterinarian called yesterday, advising me that both Manny and Chili Bruce tested negative for bartonella. He said that in the past, no one much tested for this infection, but they should because it can create a whole host of problems. Bartonella is "The Cat Scratch Disease Bacteria" for humans, per the pamphlet that I received.
Bartonella bacteria can cause in cats:
Gingivitis
Stomatitis
Oral Ulcers
Upper resperatroy disease
Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Conjunctivitis
Uveitis
Chorioretinitis
Corneal ulcers
Keratitis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Diarrhea (chronic)
Vomiting (chronic)
Enlarged lymphe nodes
Fever of unknown origin
Skin diseases: papules & dermatitis
Heart disease: valvular disease (murmers)
Risk factors for infection:
originating as a stray, coming from a shelter or humane group, living in a multi-cat household, going outdoors often, and living in a hot, humid area.
You DO NOT want to read the whole list of problems that humans can have from bartonella; it freaked ME-OWT! Heart, eye, and skin diseases, inflamatory bowel disease, and something called "mononucleosis-like syndrome."
However, the veterinarian said that a normal, healthy human will fight off any of this, but children, the elderly (watch it...), and immuno-compromised folks should take care. He's a vet, though, so this may be something folks need to have their family physician check for.
Fleas and ticks harbor the stuff, and humans and cats can get it through scratches, and bites from an infected cat.
Next time Sweetie and The PO'M go to the vet, I'm going to have them tested as well. It's not inexpensive, but the pamphlet says "about 30% of cats healthy cats in the U.S. are infected carriers." Apparently, antibiotic therapy makes it go away!
For more information, please consider visiting http://www.natvetlab.com/, which was listed on the pamphlet that I received.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, nor to I pretend to be one. Please consult your own veterinarian or doctor for further information.
No yucky stuff is always a good thing!
ReplyDeletethanks for the post--i had not heard of this issue!
ReplyDeleteGlad the cats tested negative for that stuff. There are just so many things that animals can catch etc. but we feel like if they are healthy, they can fight off most things. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteWe had no idea this even existed.
ReplyDeleteGood news ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteGood to know the kits tested negative.
ReplyDeleteMum had Cat Scratch Fever when she was a kid.
She only has very mild allergies.
Da boyz are lookin' great too.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
Dang... thank goodness you two are good to go!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like some N A S T Y stuff
Hugs madi your bfff
Glad Da Boyz passed that test.
ReplyDeleteGood news. A couple here along with a few kittens here have been tested. Our vet at the time said it was fairly common but we were 0 for 8 tests.
ReplyDeletewow good to know thanks for the info
ReplyDeleteI didn't know anything about this! Thank you for the information. Glad the boys are clear!
ReplyDeleteWe'd never heard of this, either. Our old bat mom remembers the song, though.
ReplyDeleteI am glad they tested negative. I have never tested for this, but so many of mine were strays that I will have to have them tested.
ReplyDeleteThat's very innerestin'. We's not know any V E Ts dat test fur this or even discuss it. We'll have to bring it up to our V E T da next time we see him. We're not sure he'd even know. big hugs
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Raena
We are so glad the boys don't have this bacteria! What great news :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best of needed articles I have seen and I do thank you for the information.
ReplyDeleteOOOOH scary!
ReplyDeleteWe've neffur heard of this test, not sure they do it here in the UK, we'll have to make inquiries!
Bestest festive purrs
Basil & CO xox
I'm immunosuppressed, so I have to be extra careful not to get scratched or bitten. I had no idea there was a test for bartonella. Will have to look into it!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that it exists! thanks for this note!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of this but only from a TV show (one of those doctor ones). Glad they tested negative!
ReplyDelete