Sporotrichosis in Cats
Sporothrix schenckii is a fungus that has the potential to infect the skin, respiratory system, bones and sometimes the brain, causing a diseased state called sporotrichosis. Infection is caused by the virtually ubiquitous dimorphic (mold and yeast) fungus, S. schenckii, which typically infects via direct inoculation – that is, through abrasions of the skin or by inhalation. The origin of the fungus is environmental; it is naturally found in soil, plants and sphagnum moss, but it can be communicated zoonotically between different animal species, and between animals and humans.
Cats tend to experience a severe form of cutaneous sporotrichosis, making them an even greater risk for transmitting the infection to other animals and people. In cats, intact male cats that roam outdoors and fight are predisposed to puncture wounds, which then offer an advantageous route for S. schenckii to enter the body. The infection may also be spread by other cats, often through scratches to the skin.
Symptoms and Types
Cutaneous sporotrichosis
Bumps, or lesions on the skin surface, swollen lymph glands
Lesions often appear initially as wounds or abscesses mimicking wounds
Associated with fighting, wounds may be found on the head, lumbar region, or distal limbs
Previous trauma or puncture wound in the affected area is a variable finding
Poor response to previous antibacterial therapy
Combination of cutaneous and lymph form—usually an extension of the cutaneous form, which spreads via the lymphs, resulting in the formation of new nodules and draining tracts or crusts.
Lymphadenopathy (disease of the lymphs) is common
Disseminated sporotrichosis
Rare, occurs when the initial infection spreads into the body to a secondary location
Systemic signs of malaise and fever
Osteoarticular sporotrichosis occurs when the infection spreads into the bones and joints
Sporotrichosis meningitis occurs when the infection spreads into the nervous system and brain
Symptoms include loss of appetite (anorexia), and weight loss (cachexia)
Pulmonary sporotrichosis
Occurs as a result of inhalation of Sporothrix schenckii spores
Infected animal is more at risk of developing pneumonia
Causes
Animals exposed to soil rich in decaying organic debris appear to be predisposed
Cat scratches provide an increased opportunity for infection
Exposure to infected animals or clinically healthy cats sharing a household with an affected cat are at risk
Immunosuppressive disease should be considered a risk factor
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your cat, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis.
It is important to note that this is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it is communicable to humans and other animals, and proper precautions will need to be taken to prevent the spread of infection. Even if you do not have a break in your skin, you are not protected against acquiring the disease.
An examination of the fluid from the lesions is often necessary to confirm an infection. A negative finding does not always rule out the disease. Laboratory cultures of the deeply affected tissue often require surgery to obtain an adequate sample. These samples will be sent for analysis, along with a special note to the laboratory listing sporotrichosis as a differential diagnosis. Secondary bacterial infections are common.
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meningitis
A medical condition in which the meninges becomes inflamed
urinalysis
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
yeast
A type of fungus that produces buds
malaise
General discomfort of the body
intact
Denotes an animal that is still able to reproduce or is free of cuts and scrapes
distal
The furthest distance from the middle or the top of a body
inoculation
The introduction of an animal to an organism in order to create a slight disease to induce immunity
antibacterial
Used to refer to any drug or medical substance that has the ability to slow down or stop the growth of bacteria and other such organisms.
lumbar
The part of the back between the pelvis and the thorax
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