Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Sporotrichosis skin and breathing signs in 347 cats studied
By Schubach, Tânia M P et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Serviç, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of an epidemic of sporotrichosis in cats: 347 cases (1998-2001).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A large outbreak of sporotrichosis, a fungal infection, affected 347 cats, with symptoms ranging from small skin bumps to severe lesions. Many cats also showed respiratory issues, and some had blood abnormalities. Out of the cats treated with antifungal medication, 68 were cured, showing that even with severe symptoms, cats can recover well with proper treatment. Regular and prolonged antifungal therapy was key to healing the skin lesions, regardless of other health issues.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate characteristics of a large epidemic of sporotrichosis in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 347 cats with naturally acquired infection with Sporothrix schenckii. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for data regarding clinical, mycologic, histopathologic, and routine hematologic and serum biochemical findings; assays for FIV-specific antibodies and FeLV antigen; antifungal treatment; and follow-up. RESULTS: Lesions varied from small papules to extensive zones of necrosis. Ten cats had no skin lesions, 114 had skin lesions at a single site, 86 had skin lesions in 2 sites, and 137 had skin lesions in 3 or more sites. Respiratory tract signs were observed in 154 cats and were the most frequent extracutaneous sign. Anemia, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia were the main blood abnormalities. Antibodies against FIV were detected in 28 cats, FeLV antigen was detected in 2 cats, and both were detected in 1 cat among 142 cats tested. During the study, 118 cats were lost to follow-up and 124 died. Of 266 cats that were treated, 68 were cured. Complete healing of the lesions was observed regardless of the presence of extracutaneous signs, general condition, treatment schedule, or coinfection with FIV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feline sporotrichosis was evident in subclinical to severe forms; however, cats can respond well to regular and prolonged antifungal treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15154732/