Pulmonary mass‐like lesion caused by Toxoplasma gondii in a domestic shorthair cat

Abstract

Abstract A 2‐year‐old male neutered domestic shorthair cat underwent investigations for acute onset of lethargy, hyporexia, and cough. Computed tomography of the thorax identified a large mass‐like lesion in the left cranial lung lobe and bilateral pleural effusion. Thoracotomy and left cranial lung lobectomy were performed. Histopathology of the pulmonary mass was consistent with a localized Toxoplasma gondii pneumonia, confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction on the affected lung lobe. After adjunctive medical management with a 28‐day course of clindamycin (12.5 mg/kg PO q12h), clinical signs resolved and repeat thoracic radiographs documented no abnormalities. The cat remains clinically well 1 year after surgery.

Keywords

• lung
• pneumonia
• protozoa
• respiratory
• toxoplasmosis