A case of pulmonary toxoplasmosis resembling multiple lung metastases of nasal lymphoma in a cat receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

An 11-year-old cat presented with nasal discharge and lacrimation and was diagnosed with nasal lymphoma. Although the cat showed favorable progression after undergoing chemotherapy, CT imaging demonstrated enlarged pulmonary nodules caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Following the cessation of chemotherapy, the cat was prescribed clindamycin hydrochloride for toxoplasmosis treatment; however, the cat developed kidney lymphoma and died. No T. gondii organisms were observed in the whole body necropsy specimens. It is known that immunocompromised human patients, including those who undergo chemotherapy, are considered at risk for toxoplasmosis. However, the risk of developing toxoplasmosis in cats undergoing chemotherapy is currently unknown. Findings from this case report suggest that cats with chemotherapy-resistant pulmonary masses might have a T. gondii infection rather than metastatic disease.