Successful treatment of pulmonary abscesses caused by Neisseria species in two cats

Two cats from separate households presented to a veterinary referral hospital with signs of fever, malaise and respiratory distress. Both cats underwent thoracic radiography, which revealed multilobar pulmonary nodular changes. To further characterise the pulmonary parenchymal disease, computed tomography was performed, and lung samples were obtained via fine needle aspirates in both cats, as well as an endotracheal wash in one cat. Cytology yielded mixed inflammation, while cultures identified the presence of Neisseria animaloris . Following antibiotic therapy, both cats demonstrated complete resolution of clinical signs, consistent with full recovery. Despite the potential for severe clinical illness and widespread pulmonary involvement marked by sepsis and respiratory compromise, pulmonary Neisseria infections in cats can be successfully treated with medical management. Due to their nodular pulmonary pattern, Neisseria infections may be mistaken for pulmonary neoplasia and can result in euthanasia if necessary diagnostics are not undertaken.