Cat Fungal Disease: Understanding Cryptococcus Gattii

Clinical Symptoms of Feline Coccidioidomycosis

Feline coccidioidomycosis presents a range of symptoms that can be quite distressing for the affected cat. These include:

Increased Body Temperature: A persistent rise in the cat's body temperature.

Persistent Coughing: A chronic and sometimes severe cough that can be quite concerning.

Difficult Breathing: The cat may exhibit signs of respiratory distress.

Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite can lead to weight loss.

Weight Loss: A gradual decline in body weight can be a significant indicator of illness.

Lethargy and Diarrhea: The cat may appear tired and may suffer from diarrhea.

Limb Lameness and Muscle Atrophy: In cases where the disease affects the bones, the cat may limp and experience muscle wasting.

Pathological Changes in Feline Coccidioidomycosis

The disease can lead to several pathological changes in the cat's body, such as:

Swelling of Bronchial or Mediastinal Lymph Nodes: This can cause discomfort and respiratory issues.

Pericardial Effusion: An accumulation of fluid around the heart can be lifethreatening.

Granulomas in the Pleura, Pericardium, Heart, Lungs, Liver, Spleen, and Stomach: These granulomas can cause inflammation and organ damage.

Differential Diagnosis

Distinguishing feline coccidioidomycosis from other diseases can be challenging. Here are some key differences:

1. Feline Coccidioidomycosis vs. Toxoplasmosis: Both diseases can cause fever, anorexia, cough, weight loss, and diarrhea. However, toxoplasmosis is caused by a different organism and can present with symptoms like chorioretinitis, abortion in pregnant cats, and specific lesions on postmortem examination.

2. Feline Coccidioidomycosis vs. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: This disease shares symptoms like anorexia, fever, and cough with coccidioidomycosis. However, it is caused by a virus, and the affected cat may exhibit symptoms like runny or sticky nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers.

3. Feline Coccidioidomycosis vs. Feline Tuberculosis: Both diseases can cause mild fever, decreased appetite, cough, and respiratory distress. However, tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the affected cat may exhibit symptoms like rhonchi in the lungs, productive cough, and bloodstreaked nasal discharge.

4. Feline Coccidioidomycosis vs. Feline Histoplasmosis: Similar symptoms like fever, cough, diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss can be observed. However, histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, and the affected cat may experience vomiting and dermatitis.

5. Feline Coccidioidomycosis vs. Feline Paragonimiasis: Both diseases can cause cough, diarrhea, and fever. However, paragonimiasis is caused by parasitic worms, and the affected cat may exhibit symptoms like severe morning cough, productive cough with thick, sticky sputum, and the presence of worm eggs in the feces.

Tips for Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis: The disease is primarily diagnosed through serological tests, Xrays, and fluorescence antibody tests.

Treatment: Treatment often requires longterm medication, such as ketoconazole, and should not be interrupted. The duration of treatment can range from 3 to 6 months, and in some cases, lifelong treatment may be necessary.

Prevention and Control Measures

Prevention: Maintain good hygiene in the environment and in the cat's living area. Dispose of the cat's excreta (urine, feces, vomit, sputum) by disinfecting and burying them deeply.

Treatment: Treatment should be continued for the prescribed duration to prevent recurrence. Maintenance doses of ketoconazole may be required for life in some cases.