Pulsed-wave Dopplerdenved velocity of diastolic ventrncular inflow and systolic aortic oufflow in raptors

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THIRTY AMERICAN FLAMINGOS (PHOENICOPTERUS RUBER) AND A CASE OF SUSPECTED NEURALLY MEDIATED REFLEX SYNCOPE

Heart disease in birds contributes to premature death and is usually detected postmortem. Echocardiography is a sensitive and noninvasive diagnostic modality but reported standard values for many species of birds, including American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber), are unavailable. Echocardiography was opportunistically performed on 30 unsedated American flamingos during their annual routine health examination. Structural heart disease was not found in any of the examined birds. However, 18 birds showed varying degrees of dynamic intraventricular obstruction. Echocardiographic parameters are reported. Benign neurocardiogenic weakness or syncopal events during handling were suspected in three birds. Stress combined with an intraventricular obstruction is believed to have triggered a cascade of parasympathetic innervation and sympathetic inhibition, similar to neurally mediated reflex syncope in humans.

MITRAL REGURGITATION IN SADDLE-BILLED STORKS (EPHIPPIORHYNCHUS SENEGALENSIS) IN HUMAN CARE: DIAGNOSIS, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS, AND MANAGEMENT

The asymptomatic and slow progressive nature of cardiopathies represents a risk to the welfare of avian species in human care. Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in birds pose a challenge due to unique anatomic and physiologic characteristics. Comprehensive cardiac assessments with diagnostic tools such as echocardiography, color-Doppler, the biomarker cardiac troponin I (cTn1), and cholesterol serum concentrations have been utilized in different bird species with varying success. Saddle-billed storks (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) have been maintained in human care for over 80 yrs and several institutions have noted heart murmurs and cardiomegaly. Despite these findings, peer-reviewed literature describing cardiopathies is lacking for this species. This case series documents the identification of mitral valve regurgitation in saddle-billed storks in a breeding center. Transcoelomic echocardiography using a ventromedial approach with a two-chambered view and color Doppler was utilized. Echocardiographic measurements were taken and compared 1 yr later in most of the birds. There was left atrial enlargement and worsened mitral regurgitation in one geriatric patient, and no progression of the disease in two young birds. Serum samples showed that cTn1 had different concentrations depending on the severity of the disease, whereas cholesterol was within reference range for all birds. Treatment with digoxin and pimobendan was recommended in one bird, serum concentrations of digoxin were tested in a 6-mon span, results were within therapeutic range, and there were no overt adverse effects. There was a suspected genetic component in this population, as four of the five birds with confirmed mitral regurgitation were related.

Cerebro-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Postarrest Care in Exotic Animal Critical Care

Evidence-based recommendations for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in domestic species provide a foundation for application to nondomestic species. The exotic and zoo practitioner must consider human safety, species anatomy, physiology, and special techniques for performing CPR. Having the hospital and team prepared and trained for a CPR response can improve outcomes. Basic life support includes various techniques for chest compressions and ventilation support. Advanced life support includes means of intravascular and intraosseous access, rescue drug administration, and consideration of the patient presenting circumstances. Team debriefs and support for mental wellness are useful to optimize performance and maintain team resiliency through CPR events.

Evaluation of diagnostic criteria in grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) with suspected atherosclerosis

Ziel Atherosklerose ist eine häufige Erkrankung älterer Papageienvögel, die in Gefangenschaft mit unzureichenden Haltungsbedingungen leben. Die Diagnose beim lebenden Vogel bleibt jedoch schwierig und die Krankheit wird oft erst post mortem erkannt. In diesem Zusammenhang sollte der diagnostische Wert beschriebener Methoden bei lebenden Graupapageien (Psittacus erithacus) untersucht werden.

Material und Methoden Es wurden 7 klinisch gesunde Graupapageien und 32 Graupapageien mit Verdacht auf Atherosklerose evaluiert. Ein Gesamtbewertungssystem wurde auf der Grundlage klinischer Symptome, der Messung des Cholesterin- und Triglyceridspiegels im Blut, einer radiologischen Untersuchung und eines Echokardiogramms in B-Mode bestimmt. Darüber hinaus wurden Messungen der Blutflussgeschwindigkeit in der Aortenwurzel, der Herzfrequenz und des Geschwindigkeits-Zeit-Integrals unter Verwendung der spektralen Doppler-Ultraschallfunktion durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Die Gesamtscoring- und Einzelmesswerte korrelierten mit radiologischen Zeichen. Messungen der Blutflussgeschwindigkeit in der Aortenwurzel zeigten hochsignifikante Unterschiede zwischen den klinisch gesunden Tieren und der Patientengruppe. Signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen wurden des Weiteren im Vergleich der Gesamtbewertung und den Voruntersuchungen gefunden.

Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass die Kombination der spektralen Doppler-Ultraschalluntersuchung mit anderen diagnostischen Möglichkeiten genutzt werden kann, um den Verdacht auf Atherosklerose zu erhärten und mehr Informationen über den Kreislaufstatus des Patienten zu geben.

Klinische Relevanz Die so gewonnenen Informationen ermöglichen es dem Tierarzt, eine frühe intra vitam Verdachtsdiagnose Atherosklerose zu stellen und früher mit der Behandlung zu beginnen.

Heart Disease in Pet Birds - Diagnostic Options

Cardiovascular diseases are common in pet birds. Diagnosis is often made postmortem only. In any case, suspicious for cardiac disease, a full diagnostic work up should be applied. First indications are given by the anamnestic data. Relative predisposition to cardiovascular diseases is associated with the species, breed, age, gender, lifestyle, and diet. Clinical signs and examination can reveal further indications of cardiovascular diseases, but may be unspecific or even without any pathologic finding. Diagnostic imaging, at least radiography, and echocardiography are always recommended. Advanced imaging methods, especially angiocardiography, can be valuable but is also more invasive and expensive.

Comparison of transcoelomic, contrast transcoelomic, and transesophageal echocardiography in anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis)

OBJECTIVE

To assess the agreement and reliability of cardiac measurements obtained with 3 echocardiographic techniques in anesthetized red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).

ANIMALS

10 red-tailed hawks.

PROCEDURES

Transcoelomic, contrast transcoelomic, and transesophageal echocardiographic evaluations of the hawks were performed, and cineloops of imaging planes were recorded. Three observers performed echocardiographic measurements of cardiac variables 3 times on 3 days. The order in which hawks were assessed and echocardiographic techniques were used was randomized. Results were analyzed with linear mixed modeling, agreement was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients, and variation was estimated with coefficients of variation.

RESULTS

Significant differences were evident among the 3 echocardiographic methods for most measurements, and the agreement among findings was generally low. Interobserver agreement was generally low to medium. Intraobserver agreement was generally medium to high. Overall, better agreement was achieved for the left ventricular measurements and for the transesophageal approach than for other measurements and techniques.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Echocardiographic measurements in hawks were not reliable, except when the left ventricle was measured by the same observer. Furthermore, cardiac morphometric measurements may not be clinically important. When measurements are required, one needs to consider that follow-up measurements should be performed by the same echocardiographer and should show at least a 20% difference from initial measurements to be confident that any difference is genuine.

Cardiovascular physiology and diseases of pet birds

Avian cardiac disease in pet birds occurs more often than previously assumed. The article focuses on anatomic peculiarities of the avian cardiovascular system and common diseases. Diagnostic possibilities are demonstrated, and therapeutic measures are discussed.