Antiparasitic treatment with itraconazole and amiodarone in 2 dogs with severe, symptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy

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.

Automated summary

This article describes two cases of severe Chagas cardiomyopathy in dogs, characterized by myocardial dysfunction and electrocardiographic abnormalities. The current treatment approach includes the use of cardiac medications and antiparasitic therapy, but effective treatment protocols are still under development.