Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy-like Transient Systolic Dysfunction in Two Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Two wild adult bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were presented to the University of Florida zoological medicine department on separate dates, both being unable to fly. One eagle had a fracture of the left humerus, and the second had no external injuries. Thoracic radiographs of both animals revealed cardiomegaly, and echocardiography revealed reduced systolic function. Both eagles were treated with oral pimobendan until recheck echocardiography documented normal systolic function. Several weeks after pimobendan was discontinued, the echocardiograms of both eagles showed normal systolic function and were considered normal. The transient nature of systolic dysfunction in these 2 eagles could be consistent with a stress-induced, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy-like phenotype although traumatic myocarditis or adverse anesthetic reactions must also be considered.