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Acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock in a cat with disseminated toxoplasmosis
Author(s) -
Evans Natashia A.,
Walker Julie M.,
Manchester Alison C.,
Bach Jonathan F.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/vec.12621
Subject(s) - medicine , ards , septic shock , respiratory distress , mechanical ventilation , hypoxemia , diffuse alveolar damage , anesthesia , toxoplasmosis , sepsis , lung , surgery , pathology , acute respiratory distress
Abstract Objective To describe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and septic shock in a cat with disseminated toxoplasmosis. Case Summary A 2‐year‐old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for acute respiratory distress. At the time of presentation it had been receiving cyclosporine for treatment of eosinophilic dermatitis. Thoracic radiographs revealed severe mixed nodular interstitial and alveolar patterns. An endotracheal wash was performed, which confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary toxoplasmosis. Despite initial treatment with oxygen supplementation and intravenous clindamycin, the cat developed refractory hypoxemia and hypotension requiring mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support within 24 hours of hospital admission. Cardiac arrest occurred 56 hours after admission. Necropsy was performed and histopathology revealed protozoal organisms disseminated throughout the heart, lungs, liver, and brain. New or Unique Information Provided The clinical and necropsy findings presented here are consistent with ARDS secondary to disseminated toxoplasmosis in a cat. This is the first detailed report of ARDS in a cat. Toxoplasma titer testing and antimicrobial prophylaxis should be considered in cats prior to immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine.