Bacterial endophthalmitis secondary to pyelonephritis in a cat

Authors: Boo G, Whittaker CJG, Caruso KA, Smith JS
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 52, Issue 1, pp 5-11, Mar 2022
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Subject Terms: Bacterial, Clinical examination, Eye/opthalmology
Article class: Clinical Report

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Abstract:

A 9-year-old domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 3-week history of acquired bilateral heterochromia and acute vision loss. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral uveitis, ulcerative keratitis and ocular hypertension in the right eye. Cytology of an aqueocentesis sample was consistent with bacterial infection. Complete blood count and biochemical analysis of the blood revealed an inflammatory leukogram, mild azotaemia and increased hepatocellular enzymes. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed marked hydronephrosis of the left kidney and left ureteral dilation with hyperechoic foci. Urine culture and sensitivity revealed Escherichia coli cystitis. The owner elected to pursue conservative treatment. The cat regained vision in the left eye 3 weeks later and was improving clinically. Unfortunately, the cat died 3 months later.

The present case highlights the need to consider systemic diseases as major differential diagnoses for bilateral uveitis in cats. Bacteraemia can disseminate to the eye, causing endophthalmitis.

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