Infecção por protozoário Toxoplasma gondii em um canino : relato de caso

Abstract

Canine toxoplasmosis is considered an opportunistic infection, and clinical signs are not expected unless there is a compromised immune system. This study aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory findings, and treatment of one dog diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. A mixed-breed male 8-year-old canine attended the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), presenting with hind limb paralysis. Medical history encompassed signs like panting, apathy, and vomiting. The dog had killed and eaten two chickens. On physical examination, a reduction in the response to withdrawal of the forelimbs and absence of proprioception in all limbs were observed. Paired sera drawn from the patient 30 days apart 4 were tested positive for T. gondii IgG at titer of ≥1:4,096. The patient was treated with Sulfadiazine and Trimethoprim 400/80 mg twice daily for 21 days. Indirect immunofluorescence proved to be effective for diagnosing T. gondii in a dog, which was paramount to achieving an adequate treatment for the patient, who showed clinical improvement.