Suspected toxoplasma-associated myocarditis in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, commonly affects cats with various clinical signs.
• Myocarditis is a known complication in immunocompromised humans with toxoplasmosis, but rarely diagnosed ante-mortem in cats.
• Previous reports indicate myocardial failure in immunocompetent humans with active toxoplasmosis.

Observation:

• This study describes a cat presenting with echocardiographic evidence of infiltrative or inflammatory heart disease.
• The cat exhibited elevated IgG and IgM antibody titers specific to *Toxoplasma gondii*.
• These findings suggest *Toxoplasma gondii* infection as a potential cause of myocarditis in cats.

Findings:

• Echocardiographic abnormalities consistent with myocardial disease were observed in the affected cat.
• Diagnosis was supported by serological evidence of *Toxoplasma gondii* infection.
• Successful treatment of toxoplasmosis resulted in the resolution of cardiac changes.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for ante-mortem diagnosis of toxoplasmosis-associated myocarditis in cats.
• Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent severe cardiac complications in feline toxoplasmosis.
• This underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in feline cardiac disease.