Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Nasal and eye socket Pythium infection in a cat
By Bissonnette, K W et al.·Published in Journal of medical and veterinary mycology : bi-monthly publication of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology·1991·Department of Companion Animal·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Nasal and retrobulbar mass in a cat caused by Pythium insidiosum.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A domestic shorthaired cat in North Carolina developed a nasal and eye mass due to an infection from a fungus called Pythium insidiosum. The cat showed signs of illness, and after testing, the vet confirmed the diagnosis. Treatment with the antifungal medication ketoconazole for six weeks helped improve the cat's condition, but unfortunately, the cat later experienced eye bulging (proptosis) after stopping the medication. This case highlights a new type of infection in cats that pet owners should be aware of.
People also search for: cat nasal mass treatment · Pythium insidiosum in cats · cat eye bulging causes
Abstract
Nasal and retrobulbar infection caused by the Oomycete Pythium insidiosum is described in a cat. The diagnosis was established on three criteria. The staining of broad, sparsely septate hyphal elements in biopsy tissue using a fluorescein-labelled antiglobulin specific for P. insidiosum, detection of antibodies to P. insidiosum by an immunodiffusion test, and isolation of the aetiological agent in pure culture from the biopsy tissue. Treatment with ketoconazole for 6 weeks resulted in clinical improvement, but proptosis of the left eye slowly appeared after the discontinuation of treatment. This case represents a new host for P. insidiosum, namely, a domestic, shorthaired cat, from North Carolina, U.S.A.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1648127/