(2) Clínica Veterinaria Zarpa, Cuenca, Spain
Rocío Checa (1)
María Gallego Moya (2)
Ana Montoya (1)
Rosa Gálvez (1)
Ruperez Cristina (1)
Valentina Marino (1)
Juan Pedro Barrera Martín (1)
Guadalupe Miró (1)
A 4-year-old intact female, free-roaming domestic shorthair cat was presented with a history of haematuria and chronic gingivostomatitis. Complete blood count revealed the presence of regenerative anaemia and hyperproteinemia. Blood was screened for common feline infectious diseases and results were negative for FIV, FeLV, Leishmania infantum, and Mycoplasma felis infection. A blood smear evaluation revealed the presence of structures compatible with intraerythrocytic small piroplasms. To confirm infection, conventional PCR was performed, and a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of Piroplasmidae species was amplified. Positive PCR samples were sequenced and were 99% identical to the Cytauxzoon sp. sequences present in GenBank@. Treatment with imidocarb dipropionate (5 mg/kg s.c. 2 doses, 2 weeks apart) was initiated. Results of urine culture were positive for E. coli, and treatment with cefovecin (8 mg/kg, 2 doses s.c, 2 weeks apart) was initiated based on results of antibiogram. After treatment, there was a progressive improvement of both clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities. A month later, the anaemia had resolved and blood PCR resulted negative. However, five months later, the cat’s general condition started to decline. Results of serum biochemical analyses indicated azotaemia and hyperphosphatemia. Due to deterioration of renal function, the owners decided for the euthanasia of the patient. This case confirms the presence of Cytauxzoon sp. in the Madrid region, which highlights the importance of including this parasite in the differential diagnosis of cats presenting anaemia. In this case, the use of imidocarb dipropionate was effective in both clinical improvement and clearance of parasitemia.
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