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 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.
Kottwitz
Jack J
JJ
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65201, USA.
Preziosi
Diane E
DE
Miller
Margaret A
MA
Ramos-Vara
Jose A
JA
Maggs
David J
DJ
Bonagura
John D
JD
D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005589:Foxes / Q000469:parasitology*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging