Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat in Australia with large fluid-filled belly from rare parasite
By Abdullah, S et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2025·The University of Queensland, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An exceptional case of peritoneal cystic echinococcosis in a domestic cat in Australia.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A domestic cat in Queensland, Australia, was brought to the vet with a large, swollen belly that felt fluid-filled. Tests, including ultrasound, revealed multiple cysts in the cat's abdomen caused by a parasite called Echinococcus granulosus. Additionally, the cat was also infected with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), which may have weakened its immune system and allowed the cysts to develop. This case is notable as it's the first report of this type of infection in a FeLV-infected cat in Australia. Treatment details were not provided, but addressing both the cysts and the FeLV would be crucial for recovery.
People also search for: cat swollen belly · Echinococcus infection in cats · Feline Leukemia Virus treatment · cat abdominal cysts · FeLV and cat health
Abstract
A case of peritoneal cystic echinococcosis (CE) in a domestic cat was reported from Queensland, Australia. Physical examination of the cat indicated a large, distended abdomen, which when palpated appeared to be fluid-filled. Ultrasonography showed numerous cysts with hyperechoic walls and anechoic contents within the cat's abdominal cavity. Whole mount microscopy and histology, together with molecular identification of the contents based on mitochondrial DNA gene sequencing indicated that the causative agent was Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto) (genotype G1). Moreover, the cat was also found infected with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). It is surmised that FeLV-induced immunosuppression could have led to the development of CE in this cat. This is the first report of CE in a FeLV infected cat in Australia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39957497/