title: Heart failure caused by toxoplasmosis in a fennec fox (Fennecus zerda).
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65201, USA.
authors.forename: Jack J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Kottwitz
authors.forename: Diane E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Preziosi
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Jose A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ramos-Vara
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Maggs
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bonagura
mesh_terms: 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