Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rare fungal skin infections in cats and how to treat them
By Lloret, Albert et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2013·European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases. Albert.LLoret@uab.cat·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Rare opportunistic mycoses in cats: phaeohyphomycosis and hyalohyphomycosis: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with skin nodules was diagnosed with a rare fungal infection called phaeohyphomycosis, which can cause lesions on the skin and, in severe cases, affect the nervous system. The vet confirmed the diagnosis through tests that detected the fungus and recommended surgery to remove the affected areas, followed by a course of itraconazole, an antifungal medication. Unfortunately, these infections can be tricky to treat, and relapses are common, especially if the infection has spread. The overall outlook for cats with multiple lesions or neurological symptoms is not very promising.
People also search for: cat skin nodules treatment · phaeohyphomycosis in cats · itraconazole for cat fungal infection
Abstract
OVERVIEW: Phaeohyphomycoses and hyalohyphomycoses are rare opportunistic infections acquired from the environment. More cases have been reported in recent years in humans and cats. DISEASE SIGNS: Single or multiple nodules or ulcerated plaques (which may be pigmented) in the skin are the typical lesions. In some cases the infection disseminates or involves the central nervous system (CNS). DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis is based on fungal detection by cytology and/or histology. Culture provides definitive diagnosis and species identification. TREATMENT: Treatment involves surgical excision in cases of localised skin disease followed by systemic antifungal therapy, with itraconazole as the agent of first choice. Relapses after treatment are common. Itraconazole and other systemic antifungal agents have been used to treat systemic or neurological cases, but the response is unpredictable. The prognosis is guarded to poor in cats with multiple lesions and systemic or neurological involvement. ZOONOTIC RISK: There is no zoonotic risk associated with contact with infected cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23813829/