How to translate text using browser tools
5 March 2024 DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN SLENDER-TAILED MEERKATS (SURICATA SURICATTA) UNDER HUMAN CARE
Kadie M. Anderson, Katie Nadolny, Natalie D. Mylniczenko, Amara H. Estrada, Lindsey E. Bissett, Ashley E. Jones
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) housed at two accredited zoological institutions in the United States were evaluated via echocardiography, thoracic radiography, and blood biomarkers—taurine and feline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide—to determine the prevalence and severity of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in both populations. In total, 24 meerkats were evaluated and 7 were diagnosed with DCM based on the following parameters: left ventricular internal diameter at end diastole > 1.30 cm, left ventricular internal diameter at end systole > 1.10 cm, and a fractional shortening of <18%. Echocardiographic parameters were identified and reported for normal and affected meerkats, whereas thoracic radiographs were not useful for screening for DCM. Meerkats with DCM were treated with pimobendan and/or benazepril and furosemide if indicated. Seven meerkats died during the study period, with the majority exhibiting myocardial fibrosis. Of the blood parameters tested, elevated taurine levels were associated with DCM. Further research is necessary to characterize the etiology of DCM in meerkats.

Kadie M. Anderson, Katie Nadolny, Natalie D. Mylniczenko, Amara H. Estrada, Lindsey E. Bissett, and Ashley E. Jones "DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN SLENDER-TAILED MEERKATS (SURICATA SURICATTA) UNDER HUMAN CARE," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 55(1), 155-163, (5 March 2024). https://doi.org/10.1638/2023-0014
Accepted: 23 November 2023; Published: 5 March 2024
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top