Diagnóstico ecocardiográfico e tratamento de cardiomiopatia dilatada em tamanduá bandeira (Myrmecophaga trydactila) mantido em cativeiro

Abstract

The dilated cardiomyopathy it is a chronic disease that leads to a cardiac dysfunction, resulting in a blood circulation instability and jeopardizing the specimen body homeostasis. This article shows the dilated cardiomyopathy evolution and treatment in a tamanduá- bandeira captive model. The patient presented cardiac insufficient clinical condition and was submitted to two sets of laboratorial and image exams in three months. Furthermore, the treatment started with pimobendam and taurine supplementation, introducing satisfactory response to the treatment and clinical improvement. The founded ecocardiographyc events were compatible with dilated cardiomyopathy and clear evidences of progressive reduction at the ejection portions and shortening and expressive increase of the cardiac chamber when compared to large dogs and healthy animals of the same specie. The treatment with positive inotropic and taurine dietary supplementation revealed effectiveness in handling the clinical signs of the animal.