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.
Owning wild species as pets is becoming more and more common. Consequently, experience in caring for them has grown, resulting in the diagnosis of numerous diseases. Among these are cardiovascular disorders, especially in parrots. However, the lack of specificity or the absence of clinical signs of these diseases make it difficult to assess cardiovascular issues during the physical examination of birds. This leads to underdiagnosis of these conditions, with the majority being diagnosed post-mortem. This study reports the cardiovascular findings in post-mortem examinations of individuals of the species Amazona aestiva (true parrot) of Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres do Rio de Janeiro (CETAS-RJ) and is the first record of myxomatous degeneration of the left atrioventricular valve in this species.
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