Actinomycotic mycetoma in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Actinomycotic mycetoma is a chronic subcutaneous infection.
• It is characterized by tumefaction, draining sinuses, and grains.
• Causative agents are typically soil or plant saprophytes entering via trauma.

Observation:

• A young adult male cat presented with mycetoma in its right hindlimb.
• Streptomyces griseus, a common saprophyte, was isolated from the affected tissue.
• The infection was progressive despite surgical intervention and prolonged antibiotic treatment.

Findings:

• Bacteriological culture confirmed Streptomyces griseus as the causative agent.
• The mycetoma infection proved refractory to extensive surgical and antibiotic therapies.
• The cat's condition deteriorated, necessitating euthanasia.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for Streptomyces griseus to cause severe mycetoma in felines.
• It underscores the challenges in treating actinomycotic mycetoma, even with aggressive multimodal approaches.
• Further research into feline actinomycetoma pathogenesis and treatment is warranted.