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Systemic arterial hypertension secondary to chronic kidney disease in two captive-born large felids
A Leclerc1, E Trehiou-Sechi2, E M Greunz1
1Parc Zoologique et de Loisirs de Thoiry, 78770, Thoiry, France.
Insights
Systemic arterial hypertension (SHT) is a common vascular disorder in older domestic cats, often linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This report details the first cases of SHT in large felids, suggesting amlodipine as a well-tolerated treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cardiology
- Zoology
Background:
- Systemic arterial hypertension (SHT) is prevalent in domestic cats (Felis catus), frequently secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- This condition is the most common vascular disorder in middle-aged to older felines.
- Previous literature has not documented spontaneous SHT in large felid species.
Observation:
- Two captive-bred large felids, an 18-year-old North-Chinese leopard and a 20-year-old snow leopard, both with pre-existing CKD, were evaluated for cardiac abnormalities.
- Abnormal cardiac auscultation (murmur, gallop sound) and lethargy prompted echocardiography.
- Echocardiographic findings included left ventricular remodeling and moderate, high-velocity aortic regurgitation, indicative of SHT.
Findings:
- Indirect blood pressure measurements confirmed SHT in both animals (183 mmHg and 180 mmHg systolic).
- Amlodipine was administered as an antihypertensive treatment.
- In one case, concurrent amlodipine and benazepril therapy reduced cardiac murmur intensity and aortic regurgitation severity.
Implications:
- Systemic arterial hypertension should be suspected in aging large felids presenting with chronic kidney disease.
- Amlodipine demonstrates good tolerability and efficacy as an antihypertensive agent in these exotic species.
- These findings extend the understanding of cardiovascular disease management in non-domesticated felines.
Abstract:
Systemic arterial hypertension (SHT) has been widely described in the domestic cat (Felis catus). In these feline patients, SHT is considered as the most common vascular disorder of middle-aged to older animals, and secondary SHT related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents the most common form of the disease. We describe here the first two cases of spontaneous SHT in large felids, i.e. one 18-year old, 34.4 kg, male North-Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis, case #1) and one 20-year old, 28.7 kg, female snow leopard (Panthera uncia, case #2), both captive-bred and previously diagnosed with CKD. Both animals underwent complete echocardiographic examination under general anesthesia due to abnormal cardiac auscultation (heart murmur and/or gallop sound), and recurrent lethargy in case #1. The combination of left ventricular remodeling with moderate aortic regurgitation of high velocity was highly suggestive of SHT, which was confirmed by indirect blood pressure measurement (systolic arterial blood pressure of 183 mmHg for case #1 and 180 mmHg for case #2). Amlodipine was prescribed (0.35-0.70 mg/kg/day orally) for 31 and 6 months respectively after the initial diagnosis. In case #1, concurrent amlodipine and benazepril treatment was associated with decreased heart murmur grade and reduced aortic insufficiency severity. These reports illustrate that, similarly to domestic cats, SHT should be suspected in old large felids with CKD and that amlodipine is a well-tolerated antihypertensive drug in these species.
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