Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cats with eye swelling and blindness from coccidioidomycosis
By Tofflemire, Kyle & Betbeze, Caroline·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2010·Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Three cases of feline ocular coccidioidomycosis: presentation, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Three cats were diagnosed with a fungal eye infection called ocular coccidioidomycosis after showing symptoms like swelling around the eyes, weight loss, and lethargy. One cat even appeared blind. The vets treated them with a combination of fluconazole, an antifungal medication, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. After treatment, the swelling around the eyes improved for all cats, although some eye issues remained but were smaller. Long-term treatment with fluconazole may be needed for complete recovery.
People also search for: cat eye swelling treatment · feline coccidioidomycosis symptoms · fluconazole for cat eye infection
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and diagnostic features of ocular coccidioidomycosis in cats and the response to fluconazole and anti-inflammatory therapy. ANIMALS STUDIED: Three cats with naturally acquired coccidioidomycosis. PROCEDURE: Cats were treated with topical or systemic corticosteroids and systemic fluconazole, an antifungal of unproven efficacy against feline ocular coccidioidomycosis. RESULTS: Two cats presented for periocular swellings, either subpalpebral or periorbital, with systemic signs including weight loss, unkempt hair coat, and lethargy. One cat presented for apparent blindness with no systemic signs. Clinical ophthalmologic abnormalities were bilateral in each cat and included hyperemic, conjunctival masses, fluid-filled periorbital swellings, granulomatous chorioretinitis, nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and anterior uveitis. Cats were diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis using a combination of clinical findings, serology and, in two cases, visualization of Coccidioides spherules by either aspiration cytology or biopsy. Active anterior uveitis and periocular swelling were resolved in all cats during treatment. Chorioretinal granulomas, although persistent, significantly decreased in size. CONCLUSIONS: Coccidioidomycosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats with a travel history to the southwestern United States that demonstrate periocular swelling, anterior uveitis, or granulomatous chorioretinitis, with or without evidence of systemic disease. Aspiration cytology or biopsy of suspicious conjunctival or skin lesions, if present, may aid in diagnosis. A combination of corticosteroids and fluconazole may be effective in treating ocular coccidioidomycosis, although chorioretinal granulomas may persist and long-term fluconazole therapy may be necessary.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20500716/