Abstract
Non-human primates are routinely studied and managed in zoos, conservation breeding centers, and research centers, but there is currently limited information regarding diseases that can affect these animals. Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in small animal clinical practice. However, there are few reports of this condition occurring in non-human primates. Here, in a spider monkey (Ateles chamek) housed in the Rio de Janeiro Zoo, we report the occurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy, its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis through clinical examination, and the use of complementary exams (radiographic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic), as well as the protocol, used in the treatment. In this case, it is assumed that the occurrence of the disease was related to the peripartum period due to the hormonal and metabolic changes that occurred, and the physiological interactions of gestation and puerperium
Highlights
There are few records in the literature on diseases of the cardiovascular system in neotropical primates (Kindlovits & Kindlovits, 2009)
There are few reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in primates, which is characterized by a reduction in myocardial contractility, a decrease in systolic myocardial function, and dilation of the left ventricle with or without arrhythmias (Lobo & Pereira, 2002)
It was possible to conclude the occurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy in a specimen of Ateles chamek, popularly known as spider monkey, demonstrating the atypical course that the disease develops, by comparing to cases in human primates and neotropical primates
Summary
There are few records in the literature on diseases of the cardiovascular system in neotropical primates (Kindlovits & Kindlovits, 2009). Other evidence was eccentric hypertrophy of cardiac chambers already evolving for dilatation, being more accentuated in right chambers, slight decrease of free walls and interventricular septum, and deficit of systolic function, with hypokinetic muscles (Figures 2 and 3). After the exams, another drug was added to the treatment: enalapril (0,5 mg/kg), which was administered orally every 12 hours with milk. After 30 days of treatment, the animal presented with clinical improvements, demonstrating a decrease in vulvar edema and perivulvar region, a reduction of abdominal volume, and an improvement in physical disposition. As a result of this radiographic assessment, the use of furosemide was maintained, and all other medications were discontinued
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