ITRACONAZOLE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HISTOPLASMOSIS IN CATS

Eight cats with histoplasmosis were treated with itraconazole at 5 mg/kg per dose PO bid, There were multiple sites of infection, and 2 of the cats had hypercalcemia that was attributed to the histoplasmosis, All 8 cats were eventually cured, but 2 cats experienced recurrences of disease after completion of therapy, requiring 2 to 3 additional months of itraconazole, There were no clinically relevant adverse effects during treatment. Although a limited number of cats were treated, the study suggests that itraconazole is a well-tolerated and effective drug for the treatment of histoplasmosis in the cat.