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07/11/07

"Cat Scratch Fever" was the topic of a question to Dr. Myatt from one of our readers recently.

So, just what is "Cat Scratch Fever"? Well, a rock music fan might say it is a pop song by musician Ted Nugent, but in this case that's not what we are talking about - the Cat Scratch Fever, AKA Cat Scratch Disease is a bacterial infection that causes swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes. It is fairly common in children (who are likely to be scratched while handling a cat) and it is usually a fairly mild illness. Conventional doctors will almost always prescribe antibiotics for this, but as you will see from Dr. Myatt's reply to our reader's question, this is rarely necessary. Read on...

Hi "Julie"

"Been there, done that" (had cat-scratch fever, that is)! What to do depends on what the symptoms are.

Some people have a rash and a little bite-looking spot (the entry of the bacterium). Others have enlarged lymph nodes. Still others may have a fever and feel downright sick.

One of the most important things to do is apply a charcoal poultice over the "scratch site." Instructions can be found here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/charcoalhowto.htm. Also, take or administer charcoal internally. I'd suggest the "Enteraklenze," one tablespoon in water 3-4 times per day between meals. This gives a much bigger dose of charcoal than taking capsules (unless you take 12 or so caps at a time).Mix it with crushed ice and maybe even some additional plain chocolate flavoring if it's for a child.

Dr. Myatt's B.A.M. (Broad Anti Microbial) tincture and Immune Boost help the immune system fight off the offending bacteria.  If this is for a child, dosing guidelines can be found here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/herbs.htm

If the victim is truly sick (fever, headache, rash, sore throat, and an overall ill feeling), I'd still use the charcoal et al. An antibiotic might be needed (Cipro or doxycycline, usually). It is MOST important to take eneteric-coated "probiotics" (the good gut bugs) during any course of antibiotics and for at least a week after. My recommendation for this would be Supremadophilus.

Personally, I've never needed to use antibiotics for cat-scratch fever, but that doesn't mean it might not be needed some time. I seriously doubt I'd let anyone remove a lymph node for biopsy. The disease should be diagnosable visually and with a blood, skin or fluid (pus) culture.

Hope this helps. Please let us know how things turn out.

In Health,
Dr. Myatt