Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heart failure caused by toxoplasmosis in a fennec fox (Fennecus zerda).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Kottwitz, Jack J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery · United States
Abstract
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15533972/