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Hello all,
Writing in with an agonizing and drawn out struggle with my cat Petra..
I rescued a feral kitten in 2022 who developed cryptococcosis the following year – confirmed through a biopsy.
She has the cutaneous and nasal form, and while we tried itraconazole for a few months, it did devastating damage to her nose.
Vet switched her to fluconazole 37.5 mg (at that time my cat was just over year old and weighed 3.5 kg) once a day… and the symptom relief was remarkable!
Within a month, her nose was much less inflamed and starting to look “relatively normal” again, and best part was she was no longer having difficulty breathing, no stertor or mouth open.
Her many crusty skin lesions and nodules under the skin cleared up miraculously!
But, the success was short-lived, because a couple of months later she developed a big bulge on her abdomen/side under the skin – which eventually erupted. She had had several of these nodules and lumps, that ulcerated last year but the fluconazole seemed to clear them all up. Until now. I was so disheartened, to say the least.
The crater-like ulcer got infected and our vet (RCVS licensed in UK) decided surgery was the best option.
We did this, and the vet found more ulcers which needed to be removed to patch up the skin. It was a horrific looking surgery aftermath when she came home.
Petra required to wear a cone for 3 weeks after her surgery so she couldn’t touch her healing wound. It got infected anyway, and this increased her “cone suffering” duration.
The impact of many vet visits, surgery, and follow ups while the vet checked if the wound was healing and if the stitches could be removed, was quite an ordeal for Petra.
She gets very stressed and is difficult to put in a carrier. I feel that the stress of cone duration + all the vet trips triggered an inflammatory response in her and her nose started showing signs of the fungus again. Inflammation, distortion and worst of all the stertor was back.
The vet increased her fluconazole dose to 75 mg a day (37.5 mg morning, 37.5 mg evening). This had no noticeable effect and her nose got more inflamed as each day went by. 2 months later and her nose is worse than ever and the tip is so inflamed. With the loss of scent and ability to breathe sufficiently, she’s become reluctant to eat more than half a tin of food a day. Sometimes all she will eat is half a tablespoon and then runs off, upset.
Petra’s vet wants to put her on a maximum dose of 150 mg of fluconazole, daily, before assessing her quality of life and potential euthanasia.
I decided to try homeopathic remedies first, while continuing 75 mg a day of fluconazole) but it doesn’t appear to be helping 3 weeks in.
I’m concerned about continuing vet interventions, because Petra is so stressed by them, and at 150 mg a day she will need to see the vet frequently and likely need blood tests. At 150 mg a day, it’s also a non sustainable chunk of my monthly expenses (taken from diminishing savings), and she is not my only cat or responsibility… this could go on for years..
If she has no positive response (symptoms relief) at 150 mg, the vet is out of ideas other than euthanasia. I live in Bahrain and the options for treating this fungus are very limited.
They have not seen it in over 40 years of vet practice, so this is a first time.
I love Petra and it’s been hell witnessing her struggle to breathe for over a year. That’s what makes me panicky and consider quality of life, if she cannot be cured or brought to a level of management where the fungus doesn’t impede her breathing.
I need advice from a community of animal lovers, vets, who can also understand and take into consideration her temperament and adverse reaction (inflammation) to vet visits.
I was really hoping the homeopathic medicine would help and the practitioner I found has many years of successes working with animals. It’s either the wrong remedy, or just going to take a long time. In the meantime, in my opinion, my cat is suffering and struggling. She takes gasps of air every so often and her mouth is slightly open while she makes a snoring sound as she tries to breathe through her blocked airway. She has lost weight as she eats much less now. She was 4.7 kg in April before her surgery. At the beginning of June she was 4.5 kg and now she is closer to 4 kg.
Also within the last 2 months, her eyes have gotten affected by the nodules. One above her right eye, under the skin and affecting the bone. The other is in her left lower eyelid.
During this whole ordeal, her right lymph node under her jaw has been the size of a golf ball.. and the left one also swelled up a few months later. But that side seems to have gone down.
Any help or advice on what to do.. would be very much appreciated.
Pics from most recent (today June 3rd 2024) to last year before fluconazole and way before, late 2022, when she was a kitten.
Hello, my cat just had 2 polyps removed today. One from his throat and one from his left ear. I noticed when we got home his left eye looks a little funny. His inner eyelid is covering half the eye and it doesn’t seem to be dilated the same as his right eye. I’m worried they caused damage to the eye while in his ear?
Hello-
It could be swelling possibly… from the surgery? I definitely would call the vet who did the surgery as they know your cat’s exact situation and possible side effects. Plus, they will want to know the status of their patient I am sure. I would call first thing when they open- they may even want you to bring your cat in to take a look. Best of luck!!
I gave them a call as soon as we got home from surgery and I noticed it. They said it’s probably due to inflammation. They didn’t seem concerned but I still can’t help but be concerned.
Hello,
Please call the vet who did the surgery and notify them. I would suspect Horners Syndrome. It has happened with a few of my cases. It resolved over time. But your vet needs to be notified. Please also add your cats story and procedure (with cost of care too) so that others can benefit. We get a lot of question from people looking for qualified vets who will do this procedure. Ty!
I called the vet as soon as I got my cat home and noticed his eye. They just said it is probably from inflammation and said they can prescribe me something for it but I couldn’t drive back out there because that vet is an hour from me. They were the only vet I could find who was familiar with polyps. This is actually my sisters cat. She got him from a rescue center about 2 years ago and he’s been sick since day one. She started vet care right away but they kept treating kitty for an upper respiratory infection and ear infection. He would seem better for a month or so but always got sick again. after 8 failed times treating for these two things my sister called me crying that she can’t afford anymore but she doesn’t want to put him down so I agreed to take over. I took him to my vet, who I’ve always trusted, and explained that the treatment he’s been getting hasn’t fixed him and she said it’s most likely a polyp but she said she had to send him to a specialist for polyps. I got the quote from the specialist for a polyp removal and it was going to cost me $2,684. I was fully prepared to pay this and even had his appointment set. But then I came across YouTube videos by Krista Magnifico showing how simple this procedure actually is so I started calling around. Sadly every vet I called said I have to go to that specialist my vet referred me to. Finally, 12 phone calls later, I found a vet who was very familiar with polyps and he got me in within 2 days. The Total bill there was only $809. 99!! What a relief ????. I should probably add that I live in Minnesota. Pice could be different from state to state.
**Update**
My cats eye is back to normal. His eye issue only lasted about 24 hours then went away on its own. Must have just been inflammation from surgery like his vet said. My kitty is doing great since his polyp removal. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome!!
My dog, Max, was recently diagnosed with diabetes. We are still trying to find the right dose of insulin and were making progress until yesterday. His sugar was back up to 471 yesterday when 2 weeks ago it was 275. We know cataracts are already forming but this morning before 4am he woke me up. I thought he had to go outside but when I got him, realized he wasn’t opening his left eye. When he does open it, it seems rolled back and is red. His third eyelid is also visible. The right one is better but also seems like it might be bothering him. I contacted the vet for walk in hours today but wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue and what it might be.
Thanks!
Hello,
Me again. I think that as long as he is acting completely normal otherwise AND not rubbing his face or eye (which can cause trauma or damage to the cornea (think about all the doctors advice to not run your eyes)), then you are probably fine to wait until we open at 1. If he is rubbing his face please place an ecollar on him. You can always make a quick make shift one with either a large price of plastic or thick poster board or even a bucket (do a google search for homemade ecolllars people get creative. And you just need one for a few hours we have them at the clinic), and then come in. For dogs with a history of allergies I would recommend a saline flood (like the kind you do if you get a toxin in your eye). Nose to the sky and flood the eye with strike saline or clean two water (cool). To wash out any irritants. Or give diphenhydramine orally. I want to hold off on your pup due to the diabetes. I also am a little concerned about Horners. You can look that up online too. Dr Ahrens has been notified that she will see you at 1230. You can email me anytime if you need anything. Stay safe! Hugs to you all.
New vet today. Practice is for cats only. Vet spent a LOT of time checking Lucas. Going to try an antibiotic for possible middle ear infection.
My cat was taken in to the vet in May to treat allergies, difficulty breathing (snoring sounds) and a head tilt. Was given an anti inflammatory, antibiotic (convenia), vitamin b-12, ear drops, and an X-ray. Diagnosed with asthma brought on by allergies. Lungs ok. Three weeks later breathing and itching had improved, but third eyelid started showing.
Vet would not see him and said to go to a specialist.
Took the cat for a second opinion. That vet said we should check for nasal polyps. Was sedated and had an exam of ears and throat. No polyps were visible. Vet felt a small enlarged area under the soft palate, but could not confirm this was a polyp. Head tilting stopped after first visit. Recurred a few days ago. Not present now. Second vet recommended going to a specialist for ct scan. It is cost prohibitive and I’m not sure it is necessary. Third opinion from an online site recommended we try antibiotics for the respiratory issues. Started on one antibiotic today for ten days. And started on purina fortiflora.
Looking for any other advice or experience with issues like this. I’ve never had a cat with these problems.
Thanks.
#cats #nasal #headtilt #respiratory #polyps
Hello,
This is a tough one. The problem really lies in the inability to localize and identify the lesion causing all of the clinical signs. I would look into Horners Syndrome and see a cat specialist. I also would consider a long discussion with a trusted vet on what is treatable and what isn’t based on most likely diagnosis. That’s really what you need. Help from someone who will talk about your case within your budget and comfort zone. I have to add one more thing. It really bugs the heck out of me to have a vet who won’t talk to you further after you discuss and confide in your inability to see a specialist (who will likely want a ct that you also can’t afford). Sorry. Soapbox moment.
Keep me posted on your cats status please.
Thank you. I just found your videos on removing nasal polyps on you tube. Was so hopeful yesterday that the second opinion vet who did the exam with Lucas under anesthesia would find a polyp in his throat and remove it. But instead she said she felt something kidney bean size under his soft palate. She wasn’t real confident of what it was. I went for the second opinion and told them I could not do the specialist route due to cost. Then I ended up being told I need to go see a specialist and spend 1-2 thousand for a CT. After that I could not pay for anymore treatment. So I searched around and had a vet online recommend the antibiotics. No one yet has given me options. Although the second vet said well he could live with polyps. I said but he is getting worse. The head tilt went away and came back. She said nothing else. I feel like I’m in an airport being moved through the system in the midst of storms that no on wants to discuss. And when I ask questions like can we give him steroids for inflammation – she says oh no I wouldn’t do that.
I am scheduled for a consult with a vet from Cornell on Sunday. Maybe that will help.
The other option I’m considering is just paying for a consult with a specialist – internal medicine I guess. When you call they won’t tell you what anything costs until you beg them. So I am leary of spending more money twith a specialist who may tell me they can’t do anything until I spend even more money on a ct.
Sorry, frustrating week.
Here’s Lucas – before the Horners syndrome started.
Hello,
I completely understand your frustration. For al of the reasons you mention we added a storyline section to this site. If you can please add a story of your experience at each vet you went to and include the prices of each visit. I hope it is a way for others to see what the cost of care is and even which bets are affordable and helpful. Stories are entered by service provider. So each visit is entered separately but reference that you added one for each. It is a new feature so let me know if you have any questions or problems. We really are working hard to help people like you. Keep us posted. Good luck. Ps I think Cornell is a great option.
For more information on this subject please see these credible resource pages; ACVS Nasopharyngeal Polyps; https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/nasopharyngeal-polyps
Dr Magnifico, this is the link you posted. Figure 5 sounds like what Lucas has – a small polyp under his soft palate. Is this a surgery that a general practice cat vet could perform. Or only a surgeon. Cost is an issue for me. But I want to help Lucas before things get worse. Thanks.
It says the mass will regrow with the simple removal shown. But it would be some relief and I’m not sure how fast they grow. Thanks.
Went to a new vet today. What a difference from the others! Quiet, calm environment. Cats only patients. The vet was so thorough. Spent a long time with Lucas. When Lucas got anxious, he allowed him to go back into his carrier and calm down. Then he continued the exam by removing the top of the carrier. Lucas stayed in the corner and was much calmer. Going to try a new antibiotic – to hit what might be a middle ear infection. Onward!
Awesome! Sounds like you made great helpful progress. Very best of luck.
Thanks Dr Magnifico,
The consulting vet from Cornell recommended I find a good vet interested in pursuing what is going on with Lucas, and listening to me regarding my budget. That was the same advice you gave! By the way the Cornell consult was excellent. The vet was very familiar with nasal polyps – and did not feel like this is the problem.
My little dog had a biopsy 10 days ago on her eyelid. The result is that it is Necratic. I know this means dead tissue. May this be because she suffered from immune system illness and had to be transfused. Is it likely she may have cancer as my vet did hint at this. He has told me to keep a very close eye on her and not hesitate to call if she shows any signs of being unwell. Quite concerning.
Hello,
I’m not sure what your question is? I think it sounds like you need more clarification from your vet on exactly what they found and what the long term fear might be. In general I have found most eyelid masses are benign. You can always ask for a referral to an ophthalmologist for further clarification and help. Best of luck. Let us know what happens.
My cat has lost weight and hes still eating and drinking. His third eyelid is visible and his urine in an orange color and foamy.
It sounds like he needs to go to the vet to be examined. Dependent on his age and other health issues he may need blood work, x-rays and/or have his urine checked.
Good Luck
Dr D
Hello,
I am so sorry to hear of your frustration over your cats case.
I am not able to give much advice on this case with specific details to treatment but I will add that I think seeing a feline practitioner (someone who just sees cats) and see if they can help.
I am sorry but I cannot advise a homeopathic vet on this case, it is too far advanced.
I wish you the best of luck
Thank you, Dr. Magnifico,
I have agreed to up her dose to 150 mg of fluconazole and it’s been a week with no improvements so far – except I noticed her drinking more water. Living on a small island, we don’t have any feline only vets, every vet here sees both cats and dogs. I really don’t want to elect euthanasia (which the vet said is an option) and the other end of the spectrum is my fear that she will suffocate eventually. It’s been so painful watching this unfold. Thank you for responding, about homeopathy. It is an added cost and couriers to get the medicine in. I have been desperate.
Hello,
I’m so sorry to hear that your cat is so unwell. I’ve luckily never seen ryptococcosis, but if it is treated with itraconazole or fluconazole, maybe ketaconazole is an option to try, too?
Thank you for trying so much for your cat and not giving up on her. You are both amazing.
Shiria
Hello Shiria, thank you for your kind comment. Petra is amazingly resilient.
Animals take on suffering without complaint so I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing at this point, if she won’t get better. I’ve read about ketoconazole but it seems like the least helpful of the two azoles for this condition, and it seems like it has more adverse effects too. I will look into it, though, I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing for her as she struggles to breathe and trials take time. It hurts to think of putting her down and it hurts to see her suffering without knowing what will help, or if anything will. At a certain point I ask if it’s selfish to keep her alive & suffering in the hopes something will help, over a year on.
Hello. An update for anyone in the future researching on behalf of their pet who develops this fungus.
A cure is possible, some cats respond very well to anti-fungal meds. My Petra did not. Initially, her nose cleared up very well and she could breathe much better, but the fungus returned with a vengeance a few months later.
She has been on Fluconazole for 11 months total:
(37.5mg – 75mg), and on 150mg for 3 months. 2 months into the higher dose, I found her with anisocoria (one pupil very dilated). It went away and came back over two days. One of her eyes is droopy (Horner’s syndrome). Yesterday I found blood smeared on her paw and couldn’t find a wound.
I took her to the vet, who opened her mouth and discovered the fungal growths are pushing through her soft palate (roof of mouth) and causing anatomical separation. Her nose is swelling up considerably and distorting again. It began regressing 6 months ago but was relatively stable, but now it’s increasing in size and doubling almost overnight. She has lost 1 kilo. The vet has recommended euthanasia, unequivocally. Petra is struggling to get air in, and while we hoped for a cure (with medication) that is not happening. It’s cruel to continue with no hope of quality of life and only more suffering, and the outcome if left would be suffocation.
We have decided to let my sweet girl go, while she is still mobile, eating, before she suffocates to death.
It’s been so traumatic, to witness this and I want to send good vibes to anyone in the future who is struggling with the same disease (mainly the nose – which causes so much suffering).