Title
Biliary coccidiosis associated with immunosuppressive treatment of pure red cell aplasia in an adult ferret (Mustela putoris furo)
Author(s)
Kaye, S.W.;Ossiboff, R.J.;Noonan, B.;Stokol, T.;Buckles, E.;Seimon, T.A.;Morrisey, J.;de Matos, R.
Published
2015
Publisher
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine
Abstract
An 18-month-old female spayed ferret was diagnosed with severe anemia secondary to pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). After three months of immunosuppressive therapy for PRCA, the patient presented with anorexia, melena, and jaundice. A biochemical profile showed elevated hepatobiliary enzymes and a marked hyperbilirubinemia suggestive of cholestatic disease. Despite aggressive supportive care, the patient’s clinical status worsened and euthanasia was elected. The most significant necropsy findings were chronic proliferative cholecystitis and choledochitis with intraepithelial coccidian parasites. Diagnostic analysis of a fragment of the parasite’s small subunit ribosomal RNA gene using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing revealed 100% sequence identity to Eimeria furonis. The authors believe immunosuppresive therapy for PRCA predisposed this ferret to an opportunistic parasitic infection; clinicians managing PRCA should be aware of this potential complication. To reduce the likelihood of clinical disease associated with Eimeria spp. infections, coccidiostats should be considered as an adjunct treatment for ferrets on long term immunosupressive therapy.
Keywords
Ferrets;pure red cell aplasia;coccidiosis;hepatobiliary disease
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PUB15551