Candidiasis And Mycetoma In Cats Symptoms and Treatments

This (Candidiasis) yeastlike organism affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and ear canals. Skin involvement occurs rarely, almost exclusively among cats that live in moist humid environs.

Prolonged use of antibiotics can alter the natural bacterial flora and improve conditions for growth of yeast. Yeast infections can also occur in cats that are immunosuppressed and in those that are receiving corticosteroids. The yeast produces white elevated plaques that form an exudate and bleed easily when rubbed.

Recommended Treatment: Precipating causes should be identified and corrected if possible. Skin patches are successfully treated with an ointment containing Nystatin (Panolog).

Mycetoma are tumor-like masses caused by several species of fungi that enter the body through wounds. The typical appearance is a lump beneath the skin with an open tract to the surface draining a granular material. The color of the granules is white, yellow or black, depending on the type of fungus involved. The condition may resemble a chronic abscess that refuses to heal with antibiotics. Some species of mycetoma can cause a fatal infection.

Recommended Treatment: Antifungal drugs are seldom effective. Complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice.

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