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.
Source: Jack J. Kottwitz, Diane E. Preziosi, Margaret A. Miller, Jose A. Ramos-Vara, David J. Maggs, John D. Bonagura (2004): Heart Failure Caused by Toxoplasmosis in a Fennec Fox (Fennecus zerda). In: Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 40:501-507 (2004)
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