Cardiff Metropolitan University
Browse
- No file added yet -

An exploratory investigation of echocardiographic parameters and the effects of posture on cardiac structure and function in the Livingstone's fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii)

Download (751.35 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2022-11-28, 16:52 authored by Aimee DraneAimee Drane, Robert Shave, Andrew Routh, Alberto Barbón

 There is growing evidence that dilated cardiomyopathy may be a major cause of death in captive Livingstone's fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii). Therefore, the primary aim of this prospective, exploratory study was to examine whether a systematic cardiac ultrasound protocol is feasible in this critically endangered species and to report basic measures of cardiac structure and function from a cohort of apparently healthy bats. A secondary aim was to test the effect posture (dorsal recumbency vs. roosting) has upon cardiac function in this species. Transthoracic echocardiograms, including 2D, Doppler, and tissue Doppler measures of cardiac structure and function were completed as part of routine health examinations for bats at a single center (n = 19). Bats were then grouped by age and disease status and the mean and range data reported for each group. In healthy adult bats, with the exception of a reduction in heart rate (P ≤ 0.05), right atrial systolic area (P ≤ 0.05), and right ventricular velocity during atrial contraction, there were no significant changes in cardiac structure or function in response to the roosting position. However, in the bats presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy the current data suggest that left ventricular ejection fraction is improved while roosting. Further work is required to confirm our initial findings, generate diagnostic reference intervals, and explore the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy in this species. 

History

Published in

Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound

Publisher

Wiley

Version

  • AM (Accepted Manuscript)

Citation

Drane, A.L., Shave, R., Routh, A. and Barbon, A. (2018) 'An exploratory investigation of echocardiographic parameters and the effects of posture on cardiac structure and function in the Livingstone's fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii)', Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 59(1), pp.89-97. DOI: 10.1111/vru.12539

Print ISSN

1058-8183

Electronic ISSN

1740-8261

Cardiff Met Affiliation

  • Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences

Cardiff Met Authors

Aimee Drane

Cardiff Met Research Centre/Group

  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Copyright Holder

  • © The Publisher

Language

  • en

Usage metrics

    Cardiovascular Health & Ageing - Journal Articles

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC