Atrioventricular valvular insufficiency and congestive heart failure in a carpet python
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1999 |
Authors: |
M. Rishniw, B.P. Carmel |
Publication/Journal: |
Australian Veterinary Journal |
Keywords: |
atrioventricular valve insufficiency, colour doppler echocardiography, congestive heart failure, pathophysiology, snake |
ISBN: |
1751-0813 |
Abstract:
Right atrioventricular valve insufficiency and bilateral congestive heart failure were identified in a carpet python (More -lia spilota variegata ) with the aid of colour Doppler echocardiography, electrocardiography and radiography . The snake failed to respond to diuretic therapy and was euthanased. Based on this case, it appears that bilateral congestive fail-ure is feasible in univentricular animals with lesions restricted to one side of the heart. Loop diuretic therapy may be inappropriate in non-crocodilian reptiles because reptiles lack a loop of Henle.