A. Nahorny Ferreira1; M. Westphal de Ataíde1; A.D. Favareto1; F.J. Schulz Júnior1; T. Oliveira Corrêa1; V. da Rosa Gomes2; D. Costa1
A feline (male, castrated, without breed, three years old, weighing 5,2 kg) was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of University of Passo Fundo presenting with expansion of volume in the right hemiface, of progressive growth for two months, with invasion of oral cavity and inspiratory noise. In the inspection of oral cavity, a mass was observed in the right maxillary, near the gingiva and canine tooth, of soft consistency, multilobulated aspect, reddish coloration, measuring about 2,5 cm. The presumptive diagnosis was a neoplasia in oral cavity.
A treatment with antimicrobial was recommended with spiramycin and dimetridazole (Spiraphar 10® SID), prednisolone (0,5 mg/kg-1) for seven days. After the treatment, the patient returned for evaluation of clinical condition and to perform additional exams. The cytological examination demonstrated fungal structure, yeast with orbicular oval format, halo not colored, suggesting structures of Cryptococcus sp. However, fungal culture was accomplished to determine a definitive diagnosis. The obtained samples were forwarded to histopathologic and fungal culture (indirect examination); the result was compatible with cryptococcosis. With the diagnosis, the treatment started with itraconazole (10 mg/kg-1 SID) for 90 consecutive days. After 10 days of treatment, the patient came back for a reevaluation, and it was possible to realize a considerable remission of the wounds/injuries. Cryptococcosis is an infectious disease of fungal source; when not diagnosed and treated properly, it can bring on systemic symptoms, becoming irreversible. If diagnosed early, and with appropriate treatment, the prognosis becomes favorable.