Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye infections from mycobacteria in cats - signs and outcomes
By Stavinohova, Renata et al.·Published in Veterinary pathology·2019·1 Unit of Comparative Ophthalmology, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline Ocular Mycobacteriosis: Clinical Presentation, Histopathological Features, and Outcome.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 25 cats with eye problems were diagnosed with ocular mycobacteriosis, a serious infection that can cause blindness. Many of these cats showed signs of inflammation in their eyes, and some were already blind when they were brought in. Treatment involved surgery and a course of antibiotics for several months, which helped some cats recover, but unfortunately, many others had to be euthanized due to the severity of their condition. This highlights the importance of early detection and treatment for eye issues in cats.
People also search for: cat eye infection treatment · why is my cat blind · feline mycobacteriosis symptoms
Abstract
This study describes clinical and histopathological features, treatment, and outcome of cats diagnosed with ocular mycobacteriosis. Cases diagnosed from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed for (a) histopathological evidence of ocular (pyo)granulomatous inflammation containing acid-fast bacilli with mycobacterial morphology, (b) positive mycobacterial culture and/or mycobacterial DNA identified by polymerase chain reaction of ocular tissue, or (c) presumed mycobacteriosis based on ophthalmic examination and positive interferon-gamma release assay. Twenty-five cats (31 eyes) were included; 14 cats (17/31 eyes, 55%) were blind at presentation (unilateral:= 12 cats; bilateral:= 2 cats); one unilaterally affected cat later became bilaterally blind. Another 5 cats (7/31 eyes, 23%) became blind after initially being bilaterally visual (unilateral:= 3 cats; bilateral:= 2 cats). The commonest ocular finding was uveitis (87%). The main histopathological features were granulomatous to pyogranulomatous chorioretinitis with retinal detachment, anterior uveitis, optic neuritis, episcleritis, scleritis, and/or retrobulbar cellulitis. Nineteen cats (76%) had systemic signs, with disseminated disease being diagnosed in 9, defined by interstitial pulmonary disease, generalized lymphadenopathy, and/or nonocular infection. Nine cats were diagnosed with, 2 with, 1 withcomplex, and 1 withcomplex. The infecting species was unknown in the remaining cats. Combined surgery (enucleation:= 5 cats; biopsy:= 3 cats) and systemic treatment with 2 or 3 appropriate antibiotics for 2 to 7 months resulted in remission in 8 of the 10 cats treated; however, the cat treated with dual therapy relapsed after 8 months. A total of 16 cats (64%) were euthanized; 2 were lost to follow-up.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31132943/