Cardiac thrombus in a Burmese python (Python molurus bivitattus)

摘要

A ten-year-old male Burmese python (Python molurus bivitattus) was evaluated for coelomic distension in the second third of the body in the area around the heart. On radiographic examination an increase in soft tissue opacity was seen superimposed over the cardiac silhouette. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a cystic mass in the heart. The snake died after the examination. Necropsy revealed severe distension in cardiac region with coelomic membrane adhesion to the pericardium, which was thickened and filled with a massive blood clot. The heart was increased in size with a mass inside the right atrium. Histological presentation was consistent with septic cardiovascular thrombus with signs of recanalization, diffuse necrosis and acute diffuse inflammatory reaction. Gram staining technique revealed the presence of Gram negative bacteria. The exact cause of the thrombus and the entry site for bacteria could not be determined, but chronic stomatitis that was present for more than seven years in this patient was suggested as a possible origin. Nevertheless, there are only a few reports of cardiac diseases in snakes and generally with scant information concerning the aetiology. In this work, besides reporting details of the case itself possible causes for this cardiac disease are discussed.