Cholangiohepatitis in a domestic cat associated with platinosomiasis: case report

Abstract

Cholangitis is a common hepatic disease in cats and represents the second most frequent cause of hepatopathy in felines, with hepatic lipidosis being the first. Cholangitis is subdivided into lymphocytic cholangitis, cholangitis associated with hepatic parasites (CPH), and neutrophilic cholangitis. Platynosomiasis is a disease caused by the parasite Platynosomum spp., which should be significantly considered in feline clinical practice, mainly because it is largely asymptomatic. The parasite's life cycle is complex, involving three intermediate hosts before completing its cycle in the cat. A definitive diagnosis requires careful attention during anamnesis, clinical signs, coprological examination, and, importantly, identifying the cat’s hunting behavior and/or free-roaming lifestyle, as clinical signs are nonspecific. Treatment involves the administration of anthelmintics and supportive medications that vary according to the patient’s clinical manifestation. The literature on this subject is limited, and the presented compilation of information aims to alert veterinarians to the presence of this infection in our country and to include platynosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of hepatopathies in clinical routines. This study reports the case of a semi-domesticated cat, one year and eight months old, neutered, weighing 4.3 kg, and aims to gather information that can assist professionals in their clinical routine when treating patients suspected of platynosomiasis. Additionally, it seeks to educate cat owners on the importance of preventive consultations and routine exams to maintain their pet’s health.