Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic fungal infection causing nodular skin lesions in cats. Welfare management requires long-term antifungal treatment and careful zoonotic precautions.
Sporotrichosis causes painful, ulcerating skin lesions that progressively worsen without treatment. The characteristic nodules develop at sites of inoculation — often the face, legs, and tail from fighting and outdoor exploration — and ulcerate to release purulent discharge. Advanced cases show extensive facial involvement that affects eating, drinking, and normal facial sensation. Secondary bacterial infection of ulcerated lesions compounds welfare harm.
Treatment requires prolonged administration of itraconazole — typically 3-6 months or until clinical resolution and then for an additional month. The long treatment duration requires owner commitment and regular monitoring. Hepatotoxicity is a side effect of itraconazole that requires periodic liver enzyme monitoring. Treatment response varies — some cats respond quickly while others require extended therapy.
Sporotrichosis transmission from cats to humans — primarily through cat scratches and bites — creates a public health welfare concern alongside individual cat welfare. Infected cats should be handled with gloves and protective clothing. The Brazilian epidemic of S. brasiliensis sporotrichosis has caused thousands of human cases, demonstrating the significant zoonotic potential of this disease.