Kedilerde Aspergilloz

Aspergillosis, a very rare infection, is caused by Aspergillus, a type of fungus, in cats. It is generally more common in cats with weakened immune systems. Aspergillus fungus is found especially in soil and decaying undergrowth plants.

Types of Aspergillosis in Cats

There are two different types of aspergillosis: nasal, sino-orbital, sinonasal or upper respiratory tract aspergillosis, and diffuse aspergillosis. Diffuse aspergillosis is also known as systemic aspergillosis. The most common type is nasal aspergillosis. It develops in cats that inhale airborne Aspergillus fungal spores. Spores attach to the nose, nasal cavity, sinuses, or other structures on the face and begin to develop and grow in these areas. Diffuse aspergillosis is also transmitted through the respiratory tract in a similar way. It occurs when the fungus spreads to more distant parts of the body. The lungs, nervous system, or digestive system can be affected by the infection. Some cats with strong immune systems may not become infected even if they are exposed to the spores.

Symptoms of Aspergillosis in Cats

Symptoms of aspergillosis vary depending on the area affected by the spores and the stage of the infection. The cat's overall health also affects the severity of the symptoms.

Symptoms of nasal aspergillosis include:

• Often a foul-smelling, severe nasal discharge,
• Nosebleeds,
• Inflammation in the nostrils,
• Sneezing,
• Noisy breathing.

Mediterranean aspergillosis causes different symptoms. The spread of the infection beyond the nasal cavity leads to a differentiation of symptoms.

Symptoms of diffuse aspergillosis include:

• Involuntary movements,
• Loss of control over movements,
• General weakness,
• Fever,
• Weight loss,
• Severe inflammation in the eye.

Kedilerde Aspergilloz Nedenleri

The sole cause of aspergillosis infection in cats is the spores spread by the Aspergillus fungus. The Aspergillus fungus is found in dead leaves, decaying plants, or compost. Cats often come into contact with the Aspergillus fungus, but this does not always mean they will become infected. Aspergillosis is known as an opportunistic infection. Contact does not cause any health problems in the cat, but if the cat's immune system is weak or it has a sinus infection, it directly leads to infection. Cats that inhale Aspergillus spores may develop an infection, may have no health problems, or may have an allergic reaction to these spores. In this respect, aspergillosis is one of the health problems that are difficult to predict.

Diagnosis of Aspergillosis in Cats

If symptoms of aspergillosis are observed in a cat, it is necessary to take it to a veterinarian without delay. Although the symptoms of the disease are similar to the symptoms of other diseases, it should be considered that it may be a serious condition when any symptom of the disease is observed in cats. Since the infection affects cats with weakened immune systems, it is necessary to examine them before it becomes too severe.

Rhinoscopy is used to diagnose aspergillosis. In rhinoscopy, a very thin tube with a camera at its tip is inserted into the nostril. In this way, the nasal cavity can be observed in detail. With the images obtained from the camera, the veterinarian looks for fungal infection. A small tissue sample can also be taken during this procedure to confirm the diagnosis.

In cats with diffuse aspergillosis, nasal examination is not suitable for diagnosis. Instead, blood and urine tests are performed. Blood tests show whether there are antibodies in the blood. When inflammation occurs in the body, the amount of antibodies in the blood increases. Fungi can be found in the urine of cats with diffuse aspergillosis. Therefore, urine tests are also effective in diagnosis.

Regardless of the type of infection, a CT or X-ray scan of the cat may be necessary. In this way, it can be checked whether the infection has caused damage to the bone tissue.

Treatment of Aspergillosis in Cats

Treatment of the infection varies depending on the type of disease. Antifungal medication is used in the treatment of diffuse aspergillosis. However, the treatment of nasal aspergillosis is more intensive.

For the treatment of nasal aspergillosis, the cat is put to sleep with anesthesia. Next, a balloon catheter is placed at the back of the throat using gauze. Antifungal lotion is then pumped in. The cat's nasal passages, sinus cavities, and nostrils are completely sealed with this lotion. Afterward, the cat is given oxygen through a breathing tube. The cat is kept in this position for approximately one hour. During this process, the veterinarian gently turns the cat from side to side to ensure the lotion reaches even the smallest spaces. After one hour, the lotion is absorbed and eliminated from the body, and the treatment is complete.

In some cases, the cat needs to continue antifungal medication after treatment. This is especially true for cats with bone destruction in the sinus cavity.

Cats with nasal aspergillosis have a high chance of recovery. However, complete recovery is not very possible in cats with diffuse aspergillosis. Long-term use of antifungal medication may be necessary for a definitive cure. On the other hand, cats with nasal aspergillosis usually recover in a single treatment. However, cats with persistent nasal discharge after treatment may require additional care. After treatment, cats may need to be taken to the veterinarian several more times for check-ups. It is important to keep recovering cats away from fungal infections later in life. Because cats have weak immune systems, they can contract many other diseases. Aspergillus fungus is found outdoors. Therefore, to prevent reinfection, recovering cats should not be allowed outside.

Cats that recover need to be kept free from fungal infections later in life. Because the cat's immune system is weak, it can also contract many other diseases. Aspergillus fungus is found outdoors. Therefore, cats that have recovered should not be allowed outside to prevent re-infection.