What is Fungal Pneumonia?
Fungal pneumonia has a gradual onset, and the longer it is present the harder it is to eradicate. Bacterial infection may occur from the immune system being weakened from fighting the fungal pneumonia. In some advanced cases, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) may develop. This can be deadly, as it spreads the infection to other organs and stops them from functioning.
Pneumonia occurs when an infection causes the lungs to become inflamed. The alveoli (tiny sacs of air in the lungs) fill with pus and fluid. This makes breathing very difficult, and if left untreated can become life threatening. The alveoli are responsible for transporting oxygen from breathing into the bloodstream. If they are not functioning properly, the entire body of the cat becomes depleted of oxygen.
In the case of fungal pneumonia, fungal spores infiltrate the lungs and airways. This is also referred to as “mycotic pneumonia”. Cases of fungal pneumonia are rare in cats, but they do occur. An infection of the Cryptococcus fungus is the most commonly seen fungal infection in cats. There are a few other fungi that may cause pneumonia in cats. Cats with immune disorders are more prone to developing fungal pneumonia, as are younger cats and cats that are male (by 2 to 4 times). The infection affects the nasal cavity, irritating the lining of the nose and sinus.
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Symptoms of Fungal Pneumonia in Cats
The first stages of fungal pneumonia carry almost no symptoms. The further progressed the infection is, the more symptoms that will manifest. Symptoms are as follows:
- Thick green/yellow nasal discharge
- Eye discharge
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Labored breathing
- Loud breathing
- Short wet cough
- Weakness
- Depression
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Bumps of lesions on the skin
- Lameness
- Dull fur coat
- Blepharospasm (squinting)
- Sudden blindness (in advanced cases)
Causes of Fungal Pneumonia in Cats
While the cat’s own immune system is partly responsible for whether it will be susceptible to fungal pneumonia or not, geographic location is a heavy determinant of exposure to fungal spores. Different fungi live in different parts of the earth. All known causes are listed below.
- Spore inhalation from soil
- Interaction with bird droppings
- Genetic defects of the immune system
- Living near damp or wet habitats
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
- Prednisone use
- Chemotherapy
- Certain cancers that affect the immune system
Diagnosis of Fungal Pneumonia in Cats
To make a proper diagnosis, your veterinarian will need the cat’s full medical history. A physical examination will be completed, including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope. The vet will check to see if the cat’s symptoms match those of fungal pneumonia. Often a correct diagnosis is made after a course of antibiotics proves to be ineffective, ruling out bacterial pneumonia.
X-rays can show increased lung density, which will confirm the presence of pneumonia. Full blood work will be needed, including a complete blood count and a biochemical profile. An increase in white blood cells can indicate the presence of both cancer and/or fungal pneumonia. A lung aspiration may be done by sticking a needle into the lungs and collecting lung cells for microscopic evaluation. This can identify any fungi present. Testing for FIV should also occur.
Treatment of Fungal Pneumonia in Cats
Appropriate treatment will depend on how severe fungal pneumonia has become. An earlier diagnosis has much more success than does a late one.
Antifungal Medication
In all cases of fungal pneumonia, an extensive prescription of antifungal medication will be needed. Medications of choice are generally itraconazole or fluconazole. Both are expensive, and the duration of treatment will last months after symptoms have disappeared. The cat is often kept in the clinic or hospital for the first 2-5 days to determine whether it is responding to medications or not.
Supportive Care
While the cat is hospitalized, it will need ongoing supportive care to promote healing and maintain comfort. This generally includes intravenous fluids to return the cat to proper hydration and nebulization to keep the airways moist. Oxygen supplementation may also be needed. If the cat does not respond to medication, supportive care will be maintained into palliative circumstances.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if the pneumonia has progressed to SIRS. If skin nodules or granulomas have developed, they may need to be surgically removed. If increased eye pressure has caused blindness, the entire eye may need removal. All surgeries require general anesthesia and carry extra risks, especially in a cat who is already weak.
Antibiotics
If a secondary bacterial infection is present, or if the cat has undergone surgery, antibiotics will be prescribed to rid the body of harmful bacteria. Prescriptions may last from 2 weeks to a month or longer.
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Recovery of Fungal Pneumonia in Cats
The cat will need to take antifungal medication for months on end to rid the body of infection. It should be noted that less than 70% of cats respond favorably to this medication. Some cats may clear the infection on their own, however, this is rare. Two weeks after hospital discharge, you will need to make a vet appointment for follow-up chest X-rays to confirm the pneumonia is resolving. At that time the cat will be reevaluated.
Clean any outdoor areas that may be collecting fecal material. Limit your cat’s outdoor access. Restrict all play and activity during the healing process. Give your cat a high-quality cat food with protein and lots of calories. You may also want to supplement your cat with liver enzymes. If blindness has occurred, it will be permanent. Relapse can happen up to one year after treatment has taken place.
Fungal Pneumonia Average Cost
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Fungal Pneumonia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Cat
Oliver
Six Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Watering, Not Eating. Lethargic
My cat Oliver was diagnosed with Fungal Pneumonia and was put on Itrafungol oral solution. However that was it. I asked the Dr is there anything else to be done such as oxygen etc. He said no. It doesn't seem like he is eating either. Just sleeping. He also said to bring him back in 2 weeks for another x-ray to see if the medication is working. Very worried about him not eating or if he is drinking. If you were me would you take him to another vet or a University for better treatment? Vet said there is a 50/50 chance to be blunt. I live in a very small town where there is limited DVM'S. I believe he is better at home than put the stress on him of leaving him at "some place" can I do anything for him? Thank you for any input.
Jan. 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without examining Oliver, I can't comment on whether he is breathing well, or is having problems with oxygen levels, but I think it is always better to be safe than sorry with things that involve the lungs, and breathing. If you are not sure that he is okay, there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion to see if he would benefit from any other therapy. I hope that he is okay.
Jan. 10, 2018
I don't know what the outcome will be. However we did take him for a 2nd eval to a bigger city with more specialized equipment. Currently on oxygen and IV's also keeping him under 24 hour observation. They also faxed all his info to OSU. DR. does not believe it is fungal pneumonia. But they have never seen a case like this. Blood work looks good except for his pancreas level (could be because he hasn't had anything to eat). X-ray looks good. Dr. would like to wait overnite then do a "blood splat". But at least his fever is down and he is not drooling. Always, Always if in doubt get a 2nd opinion. Keep Oliver in your thoughts. Thank you.
Jan. 11, 2018
Oliver's Owner
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Persian
Mesho
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My cat is 5 years old and he is in intensive care now since yesterday. They are taking good care of him but he is still having difficulty breathing even with oxygen support. No progress since yesterday only his dehydration issue resolved. The doctor is still unsure if he has bacterial or fungus infection in his lungs but his chest x-ray is very white which indicated that it is full of pus and his condition is very severe. Also, the doctor might do a biopsy "if he gets better and stronger' to check for cancer. Is there a possibility that he could make it? I am very very worried and I would really appreciate a clear description for his condition and treatment. Thank you.
Jan. 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. WIthout knowing more about his condition, and seeing his x-rays, or knowing what kind of medication he is on, I cannot comment on his condition or treatment, I am sorry. That would be a great question for his veterinarian, who is with him, and overseeing his case. Bacterial and fungal infections of the lungs can be life-threatening, as they impair his ability to breathe. Being in the hospital is the best place for him at this point. It can be difficult to tell the difference from an xray between bacteria, fungus and cancer, although he is a young cat to be that overcome by cancer. He will need to be on oxygen support until things resolve a little for him. I hope that he is okay.
Jan. 3, 2018
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Feral
b/c
9 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulty
Our cat was diagnose with fungal pneumonia 4 weeks ago,: visit vet last week and had chest x-ray, vet said showed some improvement. How long does the labor breathing continue?
Nov. 28, 2017
2 Recommendations
Fungal pneumonia can take a while to treat and to ensure that the infection is cured, treatment may need to last a few months; the laboured breathing would be dependent on the severity of the infection and the response to treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 29, 2017
thanks for the quick response
Nov. 29, 2017
b/c's Owner
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Fungal Pneumonia Average Cost
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Average Cost
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