Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with eye problems from leishmaniasis treated long-term
By Richter et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2014·Eyevet.ch·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ocular signs, diagnosis and long-term treatment with allopurinol in a cat with leishmaniasis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat in Switzerland was brought in with eye problems, specifically chronic inflammation and later keratitis, after being imported from Spain four years earlier. Despite initial tests ruling out several diseases, further examination revealed a severe drop in blood cells and the presence of microorganisms in the eye. A diagnosis of leishmaniasis was confirmed through specialized tests. The cat was treated with allopurinol, which led to a quick improvement in its eye symptoms and overall health, with complete recovery of the eyelid and corneal issues within two months.
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Abstract
A case of leishmaniasis with predominantly ocular signs in a cat living in Switzerland and it's treatment is reported. The cat was imported from Spain 4 years earlier and was initially presented with chronic uveitis. Laboratory test results were negative for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii, as well as for Bartonella haenselae and Leishmania spp. Twenty-one months later the cat was presented again because of development of keratitis and granulomatous blepharitis. Blood cell count revealed severe Pancytopenia; Cytology of fine needle aspirates of granulomatous lesions on both upper eyelids and of a corneal smear revealed intracytoplasmatic microorganisms. A preliminary diagnosis of leishmaniasis was supported by positive polymerase chain reaction from bone marrow and eyelid samples for Leishmania infantum DNA and by a high serum antibody titer for Leishmania spp. Treatment with Allopurinol (10 mg/kg, BID) orally led to rapid improvement of ocular signs, general condition and blood cell count with complete remission of lid and corneal lesions within 2 months of treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24867242/