Introduction
Histoplasmosis is a potentially lethal condition that can develop when cats inhale spores from the fungus histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus occurs naturally in soils that also contain bird and bat manure, and it is especially prevalent in areas around the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. Cats infected with histoplasmosis often display symptoms of disseminated histoplasmosis, a form of histoplasmosis which occurs when the fungus invades multiple tissues within the body.
Symptoms of Histoplasmosis
The most common symptoms of histoplasmosis in cats are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Depression
- Lack of appetite or refusal to eat
- Weight loss
- Fever
The lymph nodes around the body can also begin to swell and stay swollen. Histoplasmosis in cats often affects the tissues in the eye. As a result, pet owners may notice severe eye symptoms which include swelling of the eye, weeping of the eye, and retinal detachment. As the disease progresses the cat may be unable to walk, and lesions or ulcers may begin to appear on the skin.
As the fungus begins to attack tissues within the body, the cat’s liver, spleen, and lungs may develop lesions and become swollen. The small intestine can also become affected and begin to thicken as a response.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, take your cat to a veterinarian immediately. Histoplasmosis can be fatal in as little as two weeks if treatments are not begun. Fortunately histoplasmosis can be cured with an extended course of antifungal oral medications, and if the disease is caught in time a complete recovery can be expected.