Clinical feline toxoplasmosis: parasitological, haematological and serological findings in retroviral infected and uninfected cats

Reports of the parasitological, haematological and serological diagnoses of clinical feline toxoplasmosis in 10 middle-aged Siamese cats are made with special emphasis on the reconciliation of different diagnostic findings in the process of making a definitive diagnosis. Three of the cats were immuno-competent while the remaining 7 were immuno-compromised due to retroviral co-infections. Major clinical signs included anorexia, fever (>39.8 oC), hyperpnoea, dyspnoea, pneumonia, emaciation, lethargy, icterus, regenerative anaemia and lymphopenia, while the immuno-compromised animals additionally had non-regenerative anaemia and some ocular disorders. The immuno-competent cats responded positively to the 4-week treatment protocol, while the immuno-compromised did not and were consequently eliminated from use in further trials. The immuno-competent group had a higher mean live mass gain of 1.8 kg in 55 days and a concurrent above normal haemogram and were thus recommended for uses other than in drug trial study, since the latter could involve the administration of the immunosuppressive drugs that could reactivate oocysts shedding a zoonotic risk. Counsels were provided on the hygienic mode of managing these cats from a zoonotic aspect.