A Missouri mother has revealed the devastating ordeal her family endured after her son lost both legs to a rare infection caused by a seemingly harmless cat scratch.
Wren Arnett, a young boy from Missouri, developed a life-threatening condition after being scratched by the family cat. What began as a minor injury quickly escalated into a medical nightmare, forcing doctors to amputate both his legs to save his life.
From Scratch to Tragedy
The Arnett family's life changed forever when their cat, Cattiga, scratched Wren. Initially dismissing it as a minor injury, his mother soon noticed alarming symptoms, including high fever and severe pain.
"We never imagined a simple scratch could lead to something so catastrophic," his mother said. "Within days, Wren was fighting for his life."
Rare Infection Takes a Toll
Doctors diagnosed Wren with a rare bacterial infection, Capnocytophaga, commonly found in cats and dogs. While most people experience mild symptoms, Wren's case was severe, leading to septic shock and tissue necrosis.
"His legs were beyond saving," explained one of the treating physicians. "Amputation was the only option to prevent the infection from spreading further."
A Mother's Plea for Awareness
Wren's mother is now advocating for greater awareness of the risks associated with pet scratches and bites. She hopes her family's story will prevent others from experiencing similar heartbreak.
"We want people to know that even a small scratch can have devastating consequences," she said. "Early medical attention could make all the difference."
Wren is now adapting to his new reality with the support of his family and community. Despite the challenges, his mother remains hopeful for his future.
