Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fungal nasal infection causing discharge and bleeding in three cats
By Tomsa, Kamil et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2003·Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Fungal rhinitis and sinusitis in three cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Three cats were diagnosed with a fungal infection in their noses and sinuses, which caused symptoms like a persistent runny nose, nosebleeds, and swollen lymph nodes. Despite negative fungal cultures, tests showed that two of the cats had antibodies against the fungus. One cat initially improved with an antifungal medication called itraconazole, but it later developed liver issues. Ultimately, a single treatment with clotrimazole directly into the nose resolved the symptoms for that cat. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections in cats with ongoing nasal problems.
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Abstract
Localized infection of the nasal or paranasal cavities caused by Aspergillus spp or Penicillium spp was diagnosed in 3 cats. Clinical signs included chronic mucopurulent nasal discharge, epistaxis, and mandibular lymphadenopathy. Rhinoscopic and diagnostic imaging findings were compatible with severe inflammation of the nasal mucosa and destruction of the turbinates. Fungal plaques were observed rhinoscopically in 2 cats, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed fungal colonies with surrounding inflammatory infiltrates in all 3. Results of fungal culture were negative for all 3 cats. Results of serum immunoelectrophoresis for antibodies against Aspergillus spp were positive in 2 cats. Treatment with itraconazole was effective in controlling clinical signs in 1 cat, but hepatotoxicosis developed. A single intranasal infusion of clotrimazole subsequently led to long-term resolution of clinical signs in this cat. Localized aspergillosis-penicilliosis is clinically indistinguishable from other pathologic conditions of the nasal and paranasal cavities in cats and should be considered when examining cats with chronic nasal discharge.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12762382/