Kit-E-Kat’s Fungal Infection

By Kay Hisano | Dated July 24, 2023

Kit-E-Kat, who is a 12-year-old domestic short hair,  presented to GVH at the end of June for a lump that suddenly appeared on her left hindlimb. Owner’s noticed the lump as she was continuously licking at the area. The lump looked quite large and unusual with some active discharge. Initially, we were worried about potential cancer, however after sending a sample to the laboratory, the results came back as an inflammatory lump associated with a fungal/yeast infection, how interesting!!

Initial lump on Kit-E-Kat’s left hindlimb.

We are currently awaiting fungal culture results for further analysis to determine the exact culprit of the infection. The pathologists believe it is a Microsphaeropsis arundinis infection.

Interestingly enough, this fungal infection is quite uncommon and was only first reported in Sydney in a cat in 2003, and was then reported in humans (immunocompromised) a few months later. The fungi is commonly associated with terrestrial plant hosts, ‘giant reed’ or ‘elephant grass, and inoculates itself into the host via a broken skin barrier. They are commonly seen along the East Coast of Australia, and infects the distal extremities of the fore or hindlimbs of cats.

The treatment of choice for this fungal infection are anti-fungal oral tablets, and requires multiple weeks of therapy for treatment. Kit-E-Kat is currently starting her treatment with anti-fungal tablets.