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.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 501-507 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| State | Published - Nov 2004 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- veterinary(all)