Three cases of feline ocular coccidioidomycosis: presentation, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical and diagnostic features of ocular coccidioidomycosis in cats and the response to fluconazole and anti-inflammatory therapy.


METHODS
Three cats with naturally acquired coccidioidomycosis.


METHODS
Cats were treated with topical or systemic corticosteroids and systemic fluconazole, an antifungal of unproven efficacy against feline ocular coccidioidomycosis.


RESULTS
Two cats presented for periocular swellings, either subpalpebral or periorbital, with systemic signs including weight loss, unkempt hair coat, and lethargy. One cat presented for apparent blindness with no systemic signs. Clinical ophthalmologic abnormalities were bilateral in each cat and included hyperemic, conjunctival masses, fluid-filled periorbital swellings, granulomatous chorioretinitis, nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and anterior uveitis. Cats were diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis using a combination of clinical findings, serology and, in two cases, visualization of Coccidioides spherules by either aspiration cytology or biopsy. Active anterior uveitis and periocular swelling were resolved in all cats during treatment. Chorioretinal granulomas, although persistent, significantly decreased in size.


CONCLUSIONS
Coccidioidomycosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats with a travel history to the southwestern United States that demonstrate periocular swelling, anterior uveitis, or granulomatous chorioretinitis, with or without evidence of systemic disease. Aspiration cytology or biopsy of suspicious conjunctival or skin lesions, if present, may aid in diagnosis. A combination of corticosteroids and fluconazole may be effective in treating ocular coccidioidomycosis, although chorioretinal granulomas may persist and long-term fluconazole therapy may be necessary.
Tofflemire
Kyle
K
Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson, 4909 N. La Canada Drive, Tucson, AZ 85704-1507, USA. klt.dvm@gmail.com
Betbeze
Caroline
C
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D002415:Cats; D003047:Coccidioidomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D015725:Fluconazole; D011239:Prednisolone; D011241:Prednisone