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Ocular changes in a cat with disseminated blastomycosis.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 15, 1985
Summary
A domestic shorthair cat experienced severe respiratory distress due to systemic mycosis. Blastomyces dermatitidis infection was confirmed post-mortem, affecting multiple organs, a more widespread presentation than typically seen in dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Systemic mycosis can present with diverse clinical signs in domestic animals.
- Blastomycosis, caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, is a fungal infection that can affect various organs.
Observation:
- A domestic shorthair cat presented with dyspnea and ophthalmoscopic/radiographic findings suggestive of systemic fungal infection.
- Despite antifungal treatment, the cat's condition deteriorated, leading to death.
Findings:
- Histologic examination confirmed disseminated Blastomyces dermatitidis infection.
- The fungus was identified in the eyes, brain, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
- The pathological changes were more extensive than those commonly observed in canine blastomycosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe, disseminated Blastomyces dermatitidis infections in cats.
- The widespread organ involvement suggests a need for heightened awareness of fungal infections in feline respiratory and neurological cases.
- Comparative pathology between feline and canine blastomycosis may offer insights into disease pathogenesis and treatment strategies.