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Peripheral vestibular disease associated with cryptococcosis in three cats
J A Beatty1, V R Barrs, G R Swinney
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia. jbeatty@catstudy.demon.co.uk
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|November 22, 2001
Summary
Cryptococcosis in cats can cause peripheral vestibular disease due to middle ear infections. Fungal infections, particularly Cryptococcus neoformans, may be missed if only bacterial causes are investigated, leading to severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Otitis media/interna is a common condition in cats.
- Cryptococcosis is an emerging fungal pathogen in veterinary medicine.
- Peripheral vestibular signs can indicate otitis media/interna.
Observation:
- Three cats presented with peripheral vestibular disease attributed to otitis media/interna.
- Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from the tympanic bulla in two cats.
- A nasopharyngeal granuloma associated with Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii caused auditory tube occlusion in one cat.
Findings:
- Cryptococcosis should be considered in feline cases of otitis media/interna.
- Standard bacterial culture methods may fail to detect fungal pathogens like Cryptococcus neoformans.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of fungal otitis are crucial.
Implications:
- Veterinarians should maintain a high index of suspicion for fungal otitis in cats.
- Diagnostic protocols for otitis media/interna in cats should include fungal detection methods.
- Failure to identify fungal causes can lead to misdiagnosis and adverse outcomes.