Roxanne Has Feline Bartonella-Cat Scratch Fever Illness

Roxanne, the neighborhood cat who we take care of, who sort of lives with us, has Bartonella-cat scratch fever illness. What is that? Not sure, even after reading about it. It comes from being infected with fleas, from getting flea feces on the cat and the cat ingesting it when it cleans its fur. It causes a range of illnesses/symptoms/complications from fever to sores on eyes, nose, mouth, in the mouth, etc.  You can see some horrible examples at this link.  http://www.natvetlab.com/PDF/catownerbrochure.pdf

It can be transferred to other pets and to humans from the cat.

Treatment is one or two antibiotics for six weeks. I read a study that recommended two antibiotics:
https://cvm.ncsu.edu/…/…/2016/05/Treatment_Bartonellosis.pdf

Our vet only uses Azithromax.   https://www.vetinfo.com/zithromax-for-cats.html

I'll have to ask why. After antibiotics, she'll be tested again, which is about two months from now.

Yes, the others could get it from any infected fleas she's dropped or flea feces she's dropped. Luckily, we had her separated for awhile and I've cleaned. But still... I'll have three of them tested next month when they get their annual shots.

This is another example of why cats need regular flea and tick treatment each month.

Further note on bartonella: it can cause severe gingivitis in cats. What you may think is gingivitis caused by plaque and that a cat is in need of dental cleaning, can actually turn out to be bartonella. The vet should be able to tell the difference because all the gums in the entire mouth will be severely swollen. The cat will still need a test for bartonella but if the gingivitis clears up with an antibiotic treatment, then you know the severity is due to bartonella and not gum disease.