Presumed ergotism in a cat
Brosig, U.
Veterinary Record 133(17): 432
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8279121 Document Number: 190
A 10-year-old ginger tom cat with a history of gradual loss of condition and with shrivelled ears, was examined for a bilateral gangrene of the pinnae, gangrene of most of the tail and the top of the nose, a small ulcer on the dorsum of the tongue, loss of a distal phalanx and deformity of several nails on the back feet. The lesions (apart from the lingual ulcer) appeared to be non-progressive, with a clear demarcation between healthy and necrotic tissue. The cat was polydipsic but ate well and had a normal temperature, pulse and respiration. Blood biochemistry results were unremarkable. The test for feline leukaemia virus was negative but that for immunodeficiency virus positive. The cat had a heavy louse infestation and many Demodex cati were found in the ear canal. The cat was euthanased so further investigation was not possible. A piece of plant material was found wedged between the premolars. Ergotism was suspected. It is suggested that the cat, feeling ill due to the feline immunodeficiency virus infection, may have ingested ergot while eating grass which in that area is heavily infected by Claviceps purpurea. A differential diagnosis of immune-mediated autoagglutination was considered.
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