Diseases of the Cardiovascular System

Chapter 14 Diseases of the Cardiovascular System



THE FERRET


Acquired heart disease is relatively common in middle-aged to older ferrets (>3 years of age), whereas there are few reports of congenital disease. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, physical examination, radiography, ultrasonic examination, and electrocardiography (Fig. 14-1).


image

Figure 14-1 Technique for recording the electrocardiogram of the ferret.


(From Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW: Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents, ed 2, St Louis, 2004, Saunders, by permission.)



Cardiomyopathy


Cardiomyopathy, both dilated and hypertrophic, is reported in pet ferrets. The dilated form results in an enlarged left ventricle with systolic dysfunction, whereas the hypertrophic form produces a hypertrophy of the left ventricular wall resulting in decreased filling, a diastolic function.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Lethargy

• Dyspnea

• Anorexia

• Weight loss

• Pale mucous membranes

• Tachycardia

• Hypothermia

• Weakness

• +/− Pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination and history

• Radiography; enlarged cardiac silhouette

• Ultrasound; left ventricular dilation, +/− mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (dilated form)

• Left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions are decreased and left atrium may be enlarged (hypertrophic form)

• Electrocardiography: +/− ventricular premature contractions, atrial premature contractions, atrial or ventricular tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation


TREATMENT



Dilated form



• Oxygen

• Diuretics (furosemide)

• Nitroglycerin

• Pleurocentesis


Long-term therapy



• Diuretics (used at low doses)

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to reduce afterload

• Digoxin

• Low-salt diet

• Animals should be monitored frequently using radiographs and serum chemistries with digoxin levels


Hypertrophic form



• Oxygen

• β-Blockers (atenolol) or calcium channel blockers (diltiazem)

• Diuretics if needed

• Animals should be monitored frequently using electrocardiogram (ECG), serum chemistries, and echocardiography


INFORMATION FOR CLIENTS



• Many ferrets with cardiomyopathy respond well to treatment.

• Life-long treatment and frequent monitoring will be necessary.

• These diseases may progress and worsen with time.


Valvular Heart Disease


Valvular heart disease is common in middle-aged to older ferrets, with mitral and tricuspid regurgitation being the most common cause. The systolic murmur of mitral regurgitation can best be heard over the left apical thorax, whereas tricuspid regurgitation can best be heard over the right sternal region of the thorax. Aortic regurgitation or aortic insufficiency may also occur.



CLINICAL SIGNS



• If present, clinical signs will be related to congestive heart failure

• Lethargy

• Weakness

• Dyspnea

• Weight loss

• Pale mucous membranes


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination and history

• Presence of an audible murmur

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Cardiovascular System
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