Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fungal infection causing nasal swelling and lumps in cats
By Dzimira, Stanisław·Published in Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)·2026·Department of Pathology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline Cryptococcosis: Two Case Reports and a Literature Review.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old domestic shorthair cat was brought in with chronic nasal swelling and swelling under the jaw. After examining samples from the swollen areas, the vet found yeast-like organisms, confirming a fungal infection called cryptococcosis. The cat was treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole, which led to a positive recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment were key to helping this cat feel better.
People also search for: cat nasal swelling treatment · cryptococcosis in cats · antifungal medication for cats
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a severe systemic mycosis affecting humans and animals, caused primarily by members of the/species complex. In cats, it is the most common systemic fungal infection and may present with non-specific signs involving the upper respiratory tract, skin, lymph nodes, eyes, or the central nervous system. This study presents two feline cases of cryptococcosis diagnosed by cytological examination and provides an updated literature review. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were performed in two cats with chronic nasal swelling and submandibular enlargement. Cytological smears stained with hematoxylin and eosin revealed spherical to oval yeast-like organisms with a characteristic thick, non-staining capsule, narrow-based budding, and absence of pseudohyphae, consistent withspp. Based on cytological findings, both patients were treated with oral itraconazole, resulting in favorable clinical outcomes. A limitation of this study is the lack of mycological culture or molecular confirmation, owing to the owners' refusal of further diagnostic testing. These cases highlight the diagnostic value of cytology as a rapid tool for differentiating fungal infections from neoplastic processes. Early diagnosis and antifungal therapy are crucial for successful management. From a One Health perspective, feline cryptococcosis may indicate shared environmental exposure risks relevant to both animal and human health.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41901732/