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Overview:
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the
fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus infects many mammals
including cats, dogs & humans & is distributed in many regions
worldwide.
It is uncommon in cats &
is not contagious.
The fungus thrives in humid & moist conditions & is especially
prevalent in soil which has been contaminated with bird or bat
droppings. Infection occurs when cats are exposed to the fungus in soil,
the fungal
spores are inhaled into the lungs.
Humans are not at risk of catching the disease from
infected cats although they can become infected via the same
environmental exposure.
What are the symptoms of
histoplasmosos in cats?
Infected cats are commonly asymptomatic. The lungs & gastrointestinal systems are
primarily affected although the bones, lymph nodes, liver, eyes
& spleen may also be involved.
When symptoms are apparent, the respiratory
system is commonly affected.
When
symptoms do present they are often non specific but may
include;
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Anorexia
-
Weight loss
-
Lethargy
-
Dehydration
-
Fever
-
Pale mucous membranes
-
Labored breathing
-
Abnormal lung sounds
-
Subcutaneous (under the skin) nodules (lumps)
-
Enlarged spleen
-
Enlarged lymph nodes
-
Enlarged liver
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be challenging because the cat will often display
non specific symptoms.
Diagnosis is based on evaluative testing & may include;
-
Complete blood count are often normal but anemia may be
revealed.
-
Chest x-rays may reveal a pattern in the lungs consistent
with histoplasmosis. Abdominal x-rays which may reveal an
enlarged spleen or liver.
-
Fine needle aspirate or biopsy of subcutaneous
nodules or enlarged liver, spleen, lungs or lymph nodes.
-
Blood smears.
-
Rectal scrapings
A
definitive diagnosis can be made by finding the fungus from
samples.
How is it treated?
Antifungal drugs such as Intraconazole or ketoconazole are
the treatment of choice for histoplasmosis.
Supportive care such as a feeding tube if the cat is
anorectic may be necessary.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice.
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