Abstract
There is growing evidence that dilated cardiomyopathy may be a major cause of death in captive Livingstone's fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii). Therefore, the primary aim of this prospective, exploratory study was to examine whether a systematic cardiac ultrasound protocol is feasible in this critically endangered species and to report basic measures of cardiac structure and function from a cohort of apparently healthy bats. A secondary aim was to test the effect posture (dorsal recumbency vs. roosting) has upon cardiac function in this species. Transthoracic echocardiograms, including 2D, Doppler, and tissue Doppler measures of cardiac structure and function were completed as part of routine health examinations for bats at a single center (n = 19). Bats were then grouped by age and disease status and the mean and range data reported for each group. In healthy adult bats, with the exception of a reduction in heart rate (P ≤0.05), right atrial systolic area (P ≤0.05), and right ventricular velocity during atrial contraction, there were no significant changes in cardiac structure or function in response to the roosting position. However, in the bats presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy the current data suggest that left ventricular ejection fraction is improved while roosting. Further work is required to confirm our initial findings, generate diagnostic reference intervals, and explore the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy in this species.
Highlights
As a direct result of the rapid deforestation of their native habitat [1, 2] Livingstone’s fruit bats (Pteropus Livingstonii) have become critically endangered 3
Due to the small sample size, these data are not presented as diagnostic reference intervals, rather they represent preliminary baseline data for use by veterinarians caring for animals with suspected cardiac pathology
In the healthy specimens we found that measures of cardiac structure and function were relatively stable between the two postures with only heart rate, right atrial systolic area and right ventricular A’ velocity reducing significantly when placed in the roosting position
Summary
As a direct result of the rapid deforestation of their native habitat [1, 2] Livingstone’s fruit bats (Pteropus Livingstonii) have become critically endangered 3. Individuals are currently held in captivity in three different European institutions, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Bristol Zoo and Lisieux Zoo. The breeding program has been relatively successful with a total 65 bats living at the three centres. Since 2012 eleven bats (10 male) from these collections have died due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). These animals presented with clinical signs including tachypnea, cheek puffing and subcutaneous oedema around the neck and head. Understanding the aetiology of this pathology and being able to identify those bats at risk early in the disease progression would help to direct the breeding programs whilst improving the care and quality of life of individuals
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Schedule a callMore From: Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
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