Feline coronavirus-associated myocarditis in a domestic longhair cat

Ernandes, Maria A; Cantoni, Anna M; Armando, Federico; Corradi, Attilio; Ressel, Lorenzo; Tamborini, Alice

feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) p27 antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies (IDEXX Laboratories). Faecal flotation did not detect any ova, parasites or cysts. ELISA antigens for Giardia species and parvovirus (IDEXX Laboratories) were not retrieved from the faeces. Infectious causes of diarrhoea, such as viruses (coronavirus, parvovirus, rotavirus, etc), bacteria (primary or secondary infections) or, less likely, parasites, were considered most likely, while other causes (ie, dietary intolerance, pancreatitis, intussusception, etc), although less likely, were not completely ruled out. There was neither a history of toxin exposure nor dietary indiscretion. The patient was started on antibiotic treatment: metronidazole/spiramycin (Stomorgyl two tablets [Merial]; metronidazole 12.5 mg/kg and spiramycin 75,000 UI/kg q24h PO for 14 days), along with supportive treatment of the diarrhoea with prebiotics, probiotics (Florentero tablets [Candioli] ; Carobin Pet paste [NBF Lanes]; both given as needed) and a highly digestible diet (i/d Hill's Prescription Diet).