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Published on: May 13, 2016
Hemodynamic consequences of cardiac malformations in two juvenile ball pythons (Python regius)
1Department of Biological Sciences, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark. bjarke.jensen1@post.au.dk
Insights
Two juvenile ball pythons with bifid ventricles survived despite significant cardiac malformations. Their hearts showed enlarged chambers and a defective muscular ridge, leading to identical blood pressures in both circulatory systems.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Herpetology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Congenital cardiac malformations are rare in reptiles.
- Understanding cardiac development in snakes is crucial for veterinary care.
- Ball pythons (Python regius) are popular exotic pets, making their health relevant.
Observation:
- Two juvenile ball pythons presented with bifid ventricles and other cardiac abnormalities.
- Histological examination revealed enlarged cardiac chambers and a defective interventricular septum.
- A control ball python exhibited normal cardiac morphology.
Findings:
- The primary defect involved an underdeveloped muscular ridge in the ventricle.
- This malformation resulted in identical systolic blood pressures between the systemic and pulmonary arterial systems.
- Despite the severe cardiac defect, the affected snakes achieved significant growth.
Implications:
- This study highlights the potential for reptiles to survive with severe congenital heart defects.
- It provides insights into cardiac development and compensatory mechanisms in snakes.
- Findings may inform veterinary diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions in reptiles.
Abstract:
Two cases of bifid ventricles and cardiac malformations in juvenile ball python (Python regius) were investigated by blood pressure measurements and macro- and microscopic sectioning. A study of a normal ball python was included for reference. In both cases, all cardiac chambers were enlarged and abnormally shaped. Internal assessment of the ventricles revealed a pronounced defect of the muscular ridge, which normally is responsible for separating the systemic and pulmonary circuits. Consistent with the small muscular ridge, systolic pressures were identical in the pulmonary and systemic arteries, but, the snakes, nevertheless, lived to reach body weights severalfold of their hatchling weight.
