title: Right Heart Failure in an African Penguin ( Spheniscus demersus ).
abstract: A 19-year-old male African penguin ( Spheniscus demersus ) was presented with coelomic distention after a 6-week history of lethargy and decreased appetite. Results of radiographs showed loss of coelomic detail, and ultrasound and computed tomography results revealed coelomic fluid and dilated hepatic veins. Echocardiography revealed moderate right atrial enlargement. Findings were consistent with right-sided cardiac disease. Treatment with furosemide initially reduced ascites, but the clinical condition worsened weeks later and enalapril, pimobendan, and sildenafil were added to the medical therapy. At 12 weeks after presentation, results of an echocardiogram revealed persistent right atrioventricular valve regurgitation, moderate ascites, and dilation of hepatic veins. Clinical signs of right heart failure were managed through adjustments in medical therapy and coelomic fluid aspiration, but the bird died 18 weeks after initial presentation. Gross and microscopic findings were consistent with valvular insufficiency and right-sided heart failure. To our knowledge, this case is the first documented report of cardiac disease in an African penguin.
authors.forename: Lara
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cusack
authors.forename: Cara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Alexa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McDermott
authors.forename: Brandon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pogue
authors.forename: Tonya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Clauss
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bossart
authors.forename: Alvin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Camus
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005665:Furosemide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D046429:Spheniscidae; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide
keywords: Spheniscus demersus; avian; congestive heart failure; penguin; right heart failure