TAURINE DEFICIENCY ASSOCIATED DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN GIANT ANTEATERS (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND DIAGNOSTICS

摘要

Recently several cases of adult giant anteaters (Myremcophaga tridactyla) that have died of cardiac insufficiency associated with severe dilated biventricular cardiomyopathy have been reported. The syndrome is similar to that seen with taurine deficiency in domestic felines and canines. Prolonged, progressive exercise intolerance and dyspnea are characteristic clinical signs. Current diagnostic methods include thoracic radiographs and echocardiography. Most affected animals are not diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy until clinical signs are present. Treatment at that stage has been unresponsive to oral cardioactive drugs and/or taurine supplementation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate plasma and blood taurine concentrations in giant anteaters with suspected cardiac disease. Initial results suggest that low blood and plasma taurine concentrations are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and may be used as early diagnostic indicators. We recommend oral taurine supplementation in anteaters with whole blood taurine levels under 300 mg/ml.