Hypernatremia in a Cat with Toxoplasma-Induced Panencephalitis

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2016 Jan-Feb;52(1):63-7. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6257. Epub 2015 Nov 25.

Abstract

A 12 yr old female neutered Carthusian crossbreed cat was presented due to progressive neurological signs. Clinical signs included dehydration, stupor, and anisocoria. Laboratory examination revealed severe hypernatremia, azotemia, hyperglobulinemia, and an erythrocytosis. Clinical signs and hypernatremia suggested an intracranial process. Imaging studies revealed a loss of structure in the cerebrum, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. Due to a poor prognosis, the cat was euthanatized. Histopathological examination revealed a subacute granulomatous and necrotizing panencephalitis with Toxoplasma-typical protozoa. The Toxoplasma-induced dysfunction of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland led to diabetes insipidus, which was, in combination with insufficient water intake, the most likely cause for the hypernatremia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / blood*
  • Cat Diseases / etiology
  • Cat Diseases / parasitology
  • Cats
  • Diabetes Insipidus / complications
  • Diabetes Insipidus / veterinary*
  • Encephalitis / blood
  • Encephalitis / parasitology
  • Encephalitis / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Hypernatremia / veterinary*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / blood*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / complications
  • Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral / blood
  • Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral / veterinary*