Coccidioidomycosis in 48 cats: a retrospective study (1984-1993)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Feline Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis.
• Feline coccidioidomycosis presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of coccidioidomycosis in cats.
• To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with feline coccidioidomycosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 48 cats diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis.
• Diagnostic methods included cytology, histopathology, culture, clinical signs, radiography, and serology.
• Treatment primarily involved ketoconazole.

Main Results:

• Forty-eight cats were diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis over 3 years.
• Diagnosis was confirmed by Coccidioides immitis in 70% of cases.
• Dermatologic signs were most common (56%), followed by respiratory (25%).
• Most cases (67%) occurred between December and May.
• Agar gel immunodiffusion tests were positive in all tested cats.
• Ketoconazole was the primary treatment, with variable duration.
• 32 cats recovered, 11 died or were euthanized.

Conclusions:

• Coccidioidomycosis is an important differential diagnosis in cats with compatible clinical signs, particularly in endemic areas.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy can lead to favorable outcomes.
• Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and long-term prognosis in feline coccidioidomycosis.