Mr. Smith (names changed to protect the innocent) made an appointment for his cat Kitty (also a pseudonym). She had been suffering from stomatitis (gum/oral inflammation) for several years and had been treated with potent repository corticosteroids for as many years. (Footnote: long term repository corticosteroids carry the risk of causing diabetes mellitus, renal problems, and other serious problems). The diagnosis was a “presumed” diagnosis , never having been confirmed with diagnostic testing, biopsies, or other standards of evidence based medicine. Our initial examination did confirm stomatitis, but not the typical type of stomatitis treated with corticosteroids. The lesions were more consistent with an infectious agent. Mr. Smith was very limited in funds and only wanted “the injection” (i.e. steroid) to ameliorate the symptoms of pain and inflammation Kitty was exhibiting. Although I explained that we really needed to confirm a diagnosis which no previous veterinarian had done, he pleaded with me to give Kitty “the injection” to help her feel better. I acceded with only one requirement: that he allow us to at least test Kitty for Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus/ and Feline Bartonella. The samples were drawn, “the injection” was given, and Kitty and her owner left, all of us hoping for the best. Kitty’s Feline Leukemia and FIV tests thankfully were both negative. Her Bartonella ( Cat Scratch Disease ) results however was STRONGLY POSITIVE +4! At this point, Mr. Smith was informed of the results, the implications of living with a FeBart positive cat in his household, and especially the zoonotic potential of Cat Scratch Disease ( CSD ). Kitty was immediately started on a three week course of an appropriate antibiotic. Hopefully she, as most FeBart Positive cats do, will respond well and not suffer from stomatitis any longer. By the way, Mr. Smith and his girlfriend are currently being checked by their physician since they both were showing signs and symptoms consistent with CSD. Watch for future updates.

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