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Ventricular septal defect in a blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola)
W K Suedmeyer1, L S Hitchcock, J D Bonagura
1Kansas City Zoological Gardens, Missouri 64132, USA.
Insights
A young blue duiker presented with a cardiac murmur. Echocardiography revealed a ventricular septal defect, leading to heart chamber dilation. The duiker was found deceased one week later.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Comparative Cardiology
- Wildlife Cardiology
Background:
- Blue duikers (Cephalophus monticola) are small African antelopes.
- Cardiac abnormalities can affect various animal species, including exotic wildlife.
- Early detection of cardiac disease is crucial for prognosis.
Observation:
- A 9-month-old, 3.9 kg female blue duiker exhibited a cardiac murmur during quarantine.
- Diagnostic evaluations included auscultation, electrocardiography, and advanced echocardiography (2D and Doppler).
Findings:
- A restrictive outlet ventricular septal defect was identified.
- Significant left atrial and left ventricular dilation were present.
- Trivial mitral, tricuspid, and aortic regurgitation were also noted.
Implications:
- This case highlights a specific congenital heart defect in a blue duiker.
- Ventricular septal defects can lead to significant cardiac remodeling and potential heart failure.
- Despite being asymptomatic, the duiker's rapid decline underscores the severity of the condition and the need for further research into cardiac disease in small exotic mammals.
Abstract:
A 9-mo-old female blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola) weighing 3.9 kg was diagnosed with a cardiac murmur during quarantine examination. Evaluation of the heart by auscultation, electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography, and Doppler color-flow echocardiography revealed a restrictive outlet ventricular septal defect with left atrial and left ventricular dilation. Trivial mitral, tricuspid, and aortic regurgitation was also noted. Though the duiker was clinically asymptomatic at the time of cardiac evaluation, it was found dead 1 wk later. The cause of death was not determined.