Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with severe breathing trouble and septic shock from toxoplasmosis
By Evans, Natashia A et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2017·Department of Medical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock in a cat with disseminated toxoplasmosis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was brought in for severe breathing problems. He had been receiving medication for skin issues but developed acute respiratory distress due to a serious infection called toxoplasmosis. Despite being treated with oxygen and antibiotics, his condition worsened, leading to mechanical ventilation and ultimately cardiac arrest. A necropsy revealed that the infection had spread throughout his body, affecting multiple organs. Unfortunately, the cat did not survive.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic shock in a cat with disseminated toxoplasmosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for acute respiratory distress. At the time of presentation it had been receiving cyclosporine for treatment of eosinophilic dermatitis. Thoracic radiographs revealed severe mixed nodular interstitial and alveolar patterns. An endotracheal wash was performed, which confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary toxoplasmosis. Despite initial treatment with oxygen supplementation and intravenous clindamycin, the cat developed refractory hypoxemia and hypotension requiring mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support within 24 hours of hospital admission. Cardiac arrest occurred 56 hours after admission. Necropsy was performed and histopathology revealed protozoal organisms disseminated throughout the heart, lungs, liver, and brain. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: The clinical and necropsy findings presented here are consistent with ARDS secondary to disseminated toxoplasmosis in a cat. This is the first detailed report of ARDS in a cat. Toxoplasma titer testing and antimicrobial prophylaxis should be considered in cats prior to immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28561960/