Antiparasitic Treatment with Itraconazole and Amiodarone in 2 Dogs with Severe, Symptomatic Chagas Cardiomyopathy

Overview

Journal J Vet Intern Med

Specialties General Medicine
Veterinary Medicine

Date 2022 Apr 7

PMID 35388923

Authors

Elizabeth L Malcolm

Ashley B Saunders

Jordan P Vitt

Bruno G Boutet

Sarah A Hamer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Chagas cardiomyopathy, caused by the protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is characterized by arrhythmias, myocardial damage, heart failure, and sudden death. We describe 2 dogs with severe, symptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial dysfunction and electrocardiographic abnormalities that were managed with a combination of cardiac medications and antiparasitic treatment with itraconazole and amiodarone. Both dogs died suddenly within 6 months of diagnosis. These cases highlight the need for early detection of Chagas disease in dogs and continued research to develop effective antiparasitic treatment protocols.

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