An unusual case of feline otitis externa due to sporotrichosis

Abstract

Case summary It is described a case of a 10-month-old female mixed-breed cat with left ear discharge of approximately 6 days’ duration prior to the admission. Secretions were collected from both ears using a sterile swab for cytological and mycological analysis. A pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate (predominantly characterized by the presence of neutrophils and macrophages) with the presence of cocci, rods and many yeast-like structures were seen on cytological analysis; the fungal culture confirmed the presence of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. Upon diagnosis of fungal otitis due to the S schenckii complex, treatment with oral itraconazole was administered. After 4 weeks of treatment, no S schenckii complex colonies were isolated, and clinical recovery had occurred. Relevance and novel information Although rare, clinicians must be aware of atypical presentations of sporotrichosis, as in this case of external otitis. This is of clinical relevance because this infection has been reported in several countries and is defined as a zoonotic disease.

First case report of cutaneous sporotrichosis (Sporothrix species) in a cat in the UK

“…3 In contrast to humans, lymphatic involvement is rare in cats, 16 but unusual presentations such as otitis externa have been described in cats and dogs. [17][18][19] This cat's underlying diabetes mellitus is likely to have made it more susceptible to infection. The cat had not been tested for other causes of being immunocompromised (owing to owner's considerable financial constraints), such as feline leukaemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus, and these cannot be entirely ruled out.…”

“…3 In contrast to humans, lymphatic involvement is rare in cats, 16 but unusual presentations such as otitis externa have been described in cats and dogs. 17–19…”

Chronic Otitis in Cats: Clinical management of primary, predisposing and perpetuating factors

“…35 A single case of acute unilateral otitis externa caused by Sporothrix schenckii has been described in a 10-month-old cat in Brazil, which resolved after treatment with itraconazole. 13 Chronic bilateral otitis interna caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii was identified at necropsy in a 7-year-old cat with a 9-day history of vestibular ataxia and head tilt.…”

An ethogram of acute pain behaviors in cats based on expert consensus

“…medical, surgical, trauma), and involving different anatomic locations (abdominal, thoracic, orthopedic, dental pain, etc.). For example, little is known about dermatologic, aural, visceral and ocular pain in cats, and clinical signs have been mostly described anecdotally or in review articles and case reports [ 15 – 18 ]. Therefore, an ethogram with a detailed description of general feline acute pain behaviors could help with the characterization of these poorly-understood painful conditions.…”