Toxoplasma gondiimimicking metastatic neoplasia in a senior indoor‐only cat

Abstract

AbstractAn 11‐year‐old cat presented for a 1‐week history of dyspnoea. The cat had a history of allergies that were being managed on cyclosporine. Physical examination revealed an increased respiratory rate and effort, and the cat was oxygen dependent. Thoracic radiographs revealed a severe diffuse nodular pulmonary pattern, suggestive of metastatic neoplasia. An abdominal ultrasound was performed to evaluate for a primary mass or evidence of disseminated disease. A 4.3 × 2.2 cm ileocolic mass was noted. Fine‐needle aspirates of the intestinal mass were poorly exfoliative.Toxoplasma gondiititres were performed (IgM <1:20 and IgG >1:20,480). Fine‐needle aspirates of the pulmonary nodules revealed neutrophilic and macrophagic inflammation with large numbers of 2–4 µm, crescent‐shaped organisms, consistent withToxoplasma gondii. Cyclosporine was discontinued and clindamycin was prescribed. The cat was discharged 3 days later. Repeat imaging revealed resolution of the pulmonary and intestinal lesions. Clinical cure was achieved.