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Fatal toxoplasmosis in five cats
P Henriksen1, H H Dietz, S A Henriksen
1National Veterinary Laboratory, Aarhus, Denmark.
Veterinary Parasitology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Fatal toxoplasmosis in cats is more common than previously thought. This study found Toxoplasma gondii in 3.2% of necropsied cats, causing liver and spleen lesions and diverse clinical signs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Feline Medicine
Background:
- Toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, is a widespread zoonotic parasite.
- Clinical and fatal toxoplasmosis in cats is often considered rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of fatal toxoplasmosis in cats in Denmark.
- To highlight the clinical signs and pathological findings associated with feline toxoplasmosis.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy of 155 cats over a 2-year period.
- Histopathological examination of liver and spleen.
- Immunoperoxidase technique for *Toxoplasma gondii* detection.
Main Results:
- Fatal toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in 5 out of 155 cats (3.2%).
- Common lesions included necrotic foci in the liver and spleen.
- Clinical signs encompassed rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dyspnea, and neurological dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Naturally acquired fatal toxoplasmosis in cats may be more frequent than generally assumed.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering toxoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of ill cats.
- Further research into feline toxoplasmosis prevalence and transmission is warranted.