Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Cryptococcus, which lives in the environment and can sometimes establish itself in a dog or cat's body. The fungus is typically inhaled, and while many animals may encounter it without consequence, in some cases it can lead to signs of illness, particularly affecting the respiratory system, nervous system, or other areas. Cats appear to develop this infection more often than dogs, and it tends to occur when something about an individual animal's circumstances allows the fungus to take hold. Owners often notice signs that can be quite varied depending on where the infection has established: sneezing, nasal discharge, firm swellings on the face or nose, changes in behaviour or coordination, skin lumps, or signs related to the eyes. Because the presentation can differ considerably from one animal to another, and because these signs can overlap with many other conditions, the path to recognising cryptococcosis often involves a period of investigation. This page explores the signals that can raise the possibility of cryptococcosis, the biological events that allow the fungus to cause illness, the tests used to identify it, and the approaches available for managing it. The information here is intended to help you understand the condition in context, not to determine whether your own animal is affected.