Cats are infected by inhaling, or less commonly ingesting, infectious spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, found in soil contaminated with bat and bird feces. Though outdoor cats are more likely to encounter this type of contaminated soil, histoplasmosis is found in both indoor and outdoor cats.
Can cats recover from histoplasmosis?
Most cats do make a complete recovery from histoplasmosis. It should be noted that if the infection progresses to the point of affecting the central nervous system, prognosis is guarded although recovery is still possible.
How long do cats live with histoplasmosis?
Unfortunately, even when treated appropriately, only about 70 percent of dogs and cats survive to six months after diagnosis — even otherwise healthy and young to middle-aged ones. This highlights the need for a better recognition of histoplasmosis, hopefully leading to earlier diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.
Can pets get histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is a chronic, non-contagious fungal infection caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. H. capsulatum is found globally and may infect both humans and animals. However, histoplasmosis is uncommon to rare in all but dogs and cats.
Can cats get Valley Fever?
Cats get Valley Fever, though it is diagnosed much less frequently than in dogs.
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