Heart failure caused by toxoplasmosis in a fennec fox (Fennecus zerda)

A male fennec fox (Fennecus zerda) kit was examined for lethargy, inappetence, and weight loss. Clinical findings included respiratory distress, a gallop rhythm, and retinochoroiditis. Radiography indicated pleural effusion and cardiomegaly. Echocardiographic findings included left ventricular dilat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association Vol. 40; no. 6; p. 501
Main Authors Kottwitz, Jack J, Preziosi, Diane E, Miller, Margaret A, Ramos-Vara, Jose A, Maggs, David J, Bonagura, John D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.2004
Subjects
Animals
Diagnosis, Differential
Fatal Outcome
Foxes - parasitology
Heart Failure - diagnostic imaging
Heart Failure - parasitology
Heart Failure - veterinary
Male
Radiography
Toxoplasma - isolation & purification
Toxoplasmosis, Animal - complications
Toxoplasmosis, Animal - diagnosis
Toxoplasmosis, Animal - diagnostic imaging
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Summary:A male fennec fox (Fennecus zerda) kit was examined for lethargy, inappetence, and weight loss. Clinical findings included respiratory distress, a gallop rhythm, and retinochoroiditis. Radiography indicated pleural effusion and cardiomegaly. Echocardiographic findings included left ventricular dilatation, low left ventricular ejection fraction, and atrioventricular valvular regurgitation. Necropsy findings were compatible with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure caused by myocarditis. Histopathology showed a disseminated infection with Toxoplasma gondii causing myocarditis, skeletal polymyositis, gastrointestinal myositis, and panuveitis. Toxoplasma-induced myocarditis should be included in the differential diagnosis of heart failure and retinochoroiditis in the fennec fox.
ISSN:1547-3317
DOI:10.5326/0400501