Serious Infection Due To Cat Bite. On Antibiotics. Remain On Medications. Next Course Of Action?

Posted on Sat, 1 Jun 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 2 Jun 2013 Answered on

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am going to try you once more. The only information I want is what I ask for. Please use someone with the ability to follow that instruction. The following is the information I require:
If a serious infection from a cat scratch does not get better or worse in 10 days, in your opinion should the patient remain on antibiotics? Also. what and when should be the next course of action if the infection persists?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (18 days later)

Hi XXXXXXX
Would you tell me what kind of infection is it.
Could you elaborate on " serious infection "?
Do you mean worsening of the local wound, or any of the following - tender regional lymph nodes, papules at the site of the scratch, slight fever, headache, chills, backache, abdominal pain, malaise and sometimes more severe symptoms ??
Knowing these details will help me guide you better.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar