Intranasal infusion of clotrimazole for the treatment of nasal aspergillosis in two cats

Eva Furrow Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

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Reid P. Groman Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

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 DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.235.10.1188
Volume/Issue:
Volume 235: Issue 10
Online Publication Date:
15 Nov 2009
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Abstract

Case Description—2 cats (13 and 11 years old) were evaluated to determine the cause of nasal discharge of varying duration (4 days and 5 months, respectively).

Clinical Findings—Computed tomography revealed marked turbinate destruction and soft tissue densities in the nasal passages. Histologic examination of nasal specimens revealed chronic active inflammation and branching fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus spp. Fungal culture of nasal specimens resulted in growth of Aspergillus spp. Testing yielded negative results for antibodies against Aspergillus spp.

Treatment and Outcome—Both cats were anesthetized and treated with a 1-hour intranasal infusion of clotrimazole. Recovery from the procedure was uncomplicated, and both cats had complete resolution of clinical signs.

Clinical Relevance—Little information is available on the treatment of nasal aspergillosis in cats, and the prognosis for affected animals is considered poor. The procedure for local intranasal infusion of clotrimazole in 2 cats was described here. Results and follow-up monitoring for both cats suggested that this may be a safe, effective, and durable treatment for cats with nasal aspergillosis.

Abstract

Case Description—2 cats (13 and 11 years old) were evaluated to determine the cause of nasal discharge of varying duration (4 days and 5 months, respectively).

Clinical Findings—Computed tomography revealed marked turbinate destruction and soft tissue densities in the nasal passages. Histologic examination of nasal specimens revealed chronic active inflammation and branching fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus spp. Fungal culture of nasal specimens resulted in growth of Aspergillus spp. Testing yielded negative results for antibodies against Aspergillus spp.

Treatment and Outcome—Both cats were anesthetized and treated with a 1-hour intranasal infusion of clotrimazole. Recovery from the procedure was uncomplicated, and both cats had complete resolution of clinical signs.

Clinical Relevance—Little information is available on the treatment of nasal aspergillosis in cats, and the prognosis for affected animals is considered poor. The procedure for local intranasal infusion of clotrimazole in 2 cats was described here. Results and follow-up monitoring for both cats suggested that this may be a safe, effective, and durable treatment for cats with nasal aspergillosis.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Furrow's present address is Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108.

Address correspondence to Dr. Furrow (furro004@umn.edu).
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Date:
15 Nov 2009
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