Aspergillosis - feline

Question 1

What are the 2 forms of aspergillosis in cats?

Answer 1

invasive vs non-invasive
1. sinonasal (1/3), typically non invasive
2. sino-orbital (2/3), invasive

Question 2

What’s the pathogenesis of aspergillosis?

Answer 2

inhalation
colonization occurs if there is immune-suppression
- but most cats do not have systemic immunosuppression
- brachycephalic purebreds at risk

Question 3

What are the clinical signs of aspergillosis in cats?

Answer 3

Sinonasal:
- sneezing, discharge, stertor, mandibular lymphadenopathy; epistaxis not common

Sino-orbital:
- exophthalmos, conjunctiva hyperemia, exposure keratitis
- oral mass/ ulcer, paranasal soft tissue swelling
- mandibular lymphadenopathy

Question 4

What are some lab abnormalities associated with aspergillosis in cats?

Answer 4

hyperglobulinemia
other changes are non-specific

Question 5

How is aspergillosis diagnosed in cats?

Answer 5

ELISA has high sensitivity and specificity
CT findings is more variable
MRI for those with neurological signs
- visualization of fungal plaques on endoscopy

Question 6

How is aspergillosis in cats treated?

Answer 6

Sino-nasal
- similar to dogs: debridement and topical infusion. No cream - can block breathing
- additional oral itraconazole or posaconaozle is recommended if there is hyphae invasion on histo or the species identity is no known

Sino-orbital
- Sx may be needed in addition to systemic anti-fungal (posaconazole/ itraconazole with amphotericin B)
- prognosis is poor overall

Question 7

What’s feline disseminated invasive aspergillosis?

Answer 7

uncommon
- lungs, GI, bladder etc
- usually cats <2, immunocompromised