Is terbinafine an effective treatment for feline sporotrichosis?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Terbinafine has been successfully used in the treatment of human sporotrichosis; however, its effectiveness in the treatment of feline sporotrichosis is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the use of terbinafine in the treatment of feline sporotrichosis. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in cats with sporotrichosis to assess the effectiveness and safety of terbinafine (30‒60 mg/kg/day). Clinical examination and analysis of laboratory parameters were performed monthly until clinical signs resolved or terbinafine treatment was discontinued. RESULTS: Of the 54 cats with sporotrichosis included in the study, 19 were lost during follow-up and five were withdrawn from the study due to switching to treatment with another prescription drug. Of the remaining 30 cats, 10 achieved clinical cure, with a median treatment time of 18.5 weeks. Treatment failed in 18 cases, and two cats died. Twenty-two cats had adverse reactions to terbinafine treatment, and 10 cats showed elevation of serum transaminases. LIMITATION: Loss during follow-up was high, which makes it difficult to draw accurate conclusions regarding clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The low rate of clinical cure observed suggests that terbinafine does not represent an effective treatment option for cases of feline sporotrichosis.