Fungal rhinitis and sinusitis in three cats.
Localized infection of the nasal or paranasal cavities caused by Aspergillus spp or Penicillium spp was diagnosed in 3 cats. Clinical signs included chronic mucopurulent nasal discharge, epistaxis, and mandibular lymphadenopathy. Rhinoscopic and diagnostic imaging findings were compatible with severe inflammation of the nasal mucosa and destruction of the turbinates. Fungal plaques were observed rhinoscopically in 2 cats, and histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed fungal colonies with surrounding inflammatory infiltrates in all 3. Results of fungal culture were negative for all 3 cats. Results of serum immunoelectrophoresis for antibodies against Aspergillus spp were positive in 2 cats. Treatment with itraconazole was effective in controlling clinical signs in 1 cat, but hepatotoxicosis developed. A single intranasal infusion of clotrimazole subsequently led to long-term resolution of clinical signs in this cat. Localized aspergillosis-penicilliosis is clinically indistinguishable from other pathologic conditions of the nasal and paranasal cavities in cats and should be considered when examining cats with chronic nasal discharge.
Tomsa
Kamil
K
Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Glaus
Tony M
TM
Zimmer
Cindy
C
Greene
Craig E
CE
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D002415:Cats; D003022:Clotrimazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal; D005260:Female; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D010407:Penicillium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole; D003022:Clotrimazole