Nocardial peritonitis in a cat.
OBJECTIVE
To illustrate a successfully managed case of nocardial peritonitis in a cat.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
An 8 year old neutered male Burmese cat presented for nonspecific signs of depression, anorexia, pallor and mild dehydration. Pyrexia, loss of weight and abdominal distension developed despite treatment with amoxycillin-clavulanate and supportive therapy.


METHODS
Various medical and surgical procedures were used.


RESULTS
Haematology revealed severe inflammatory left shift. Biochemistry showed mild prerenal azotemia. A "ground glass" appearance to the abdomen was seen on radiographs. Fluid collected by abdominocentesis contained "sulphur granules" and had characteristics of a septic exudate. Laparotomy allowed drainage of peritoneal fluid and extensive lavage of the peritoneal cavity. Culture of the fluid revealed Nocardia sp. Sensitivity testing resulted in a change of antimicrobial therapy to trimethoprim-sulphadiazine.


CONCLUSIONS
Response to surgical drainage and change in antibacterial therapy was excellent. No toxic side effects were encountered during the 3 months course of trimethoprim-sulphonamide. The cat made a complete recovery.
Tilgner
S L
SL
Hume Animal Hospital, Lavington, New South Wales.
Anstey
S I
SI
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002415:Cats; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D004322:Drainage / Q000662:veterinary; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009617:Nocardia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013411:Sulfadiazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014295:Trimethoprim / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D013411:Sulfadiazine; D014295:Trimethoprim