Prevalence of ocular lesions in cats newly diagnosed with histoplasmosis: 55 cases (2015–2022)

Jonathan D. Pucket Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, Tulsa, OK

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 DVM, MS, DACVO
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Katelyn E. Fentiman Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

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Emily S. McCool Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

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Andrew S. Hanzlicek Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

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 DVM, MS, DACVIM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.03.0142
Volume/Issue:
Volume 260: Issue 11
Online Publication Date:
20 May 2022
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of ocular lesions in cats with newly diagnosed histoplasmosis.

ANIMALS

55 client-owned domestic cats.

PROCEDURES

As part of this prospective case series, cats diagnosed with histoplasmosis between the years 2015 and 2020 underwent complete ophthalmic examinations by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist prior to the initiation of antifungal treatment. Histoplasmosis was diagnosed by consistent clinical findings and identification of Histoplasma yeast on pathology or by the use of a commercially available enzyme immunoassay to detect Histoplasma antigen in urine.

RESULTS

Of the 55 cats, 45 (82%; 95% CI, 72% to 92%) had signs of active anterior, posterior, or panuveitis. The most common lesions were identified in the posterior portion of the globe and included chorioretinitis and partial retinal detachments (44/55 [80%; 95% CI, 69% to 90%] cats).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Detailed ophthalmic examinations should be performed on all cats with diagnosed or suspected histoplasmosis, as ocular involvement and subsequent vision loss are common.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of ocular lesions in cats with newly diagnosed histoplasmosis.

ANIMALS

55 client-owned domestic cats.

PROCEDURES

As part of this prospective case series, cats diagnosed with histoplasmosis between the years 2015 and 2020 underwent complete ophthalmic examinations by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist prior to the initiation of antifungal treatment. Histoplasmosis was diagnosed by consistent clinical findings and identification of Histoplasma yeast on pathology or by the use of a commercially available enzyme immunoassay to detect Histoplasma antigen in urine.

RESULTS

Of the 55 cats, 45 (82%; 95% CI, 72% to 92%) had signs of active anterior, posterior, or panuveitis. The most common lesions were identified in the posterior portion of the globe and included chorioretinitis and partial retinal detachments (44/55 [80%; 95% CI, 69% to 90%] cats).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Detailed ophthalmic examinations should be performed on all cats with diagnosed or suspected histoplasmosis, as ocular involvement and subsequent vision loss are common.

Contributor Notes

Corresponding author: Dr. Pucket (jonathanpucket@gmail.com)
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Date:
01 Aug 2022
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