# Fungal Empyema Thoracis Associated with Clavispora lusitaniae—First Report in a Domestic Cat

## TL;DR

A domestic cat was diagnosed with a rare fungal infection causing empyema thoracis, marking the first reported case of this condition in cats.

## Contribution

This is the first documented case of Clavispora lusitaniae causing empyema thoracis in a domestic cat.

## Key findings

- Fungal pyothorax was diagnosed based on clinical signs, radiography, blood counts, and pathogen isolation.
- Treatment with terbinafine and thoracenteses improved the cat's condition significantly.
- The case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent fatal outcomes.

## Abstract

Invasive fungal infections are life-threatening conditions that always pose a challenge to veterinary practitioners. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in a case of pleural effusion in a domestic cat with a 7-day history of progressive tachypnea were described. Fungal pyothorax was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical signs, radiography findings, complete blood counts, and isolation of the pathogen from pleural effusion samples on two occasions. After three thoracenteses for evacuation of the pleural exudate and 15-day therapy with terbinafine, the general condition of the patient was very good; the complete blood count and respiratory and heart rates returned to normal; and no diagnostic imaging signs of pleural effusion were present. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of empyema thoracis caused by Clavispora lusitaniae in a domestic cat. The described case emphasises the primary importance of timely identification of pathogenic agent(s) of feline pyothorax and appropriately prescribed treatment for the prevention of severe complications and fatal outcomes.