Abstract

While cardiac pathology has been documented in several penguin species under managed care, routine or pathologic assessment of cardiac function in these species is poorly described in the literature.^1-4 The aim of this study was to assess cardiac function through transcoelomic (TCE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography in apparently healthy Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). TCE was performed in awake birds (n=11) under manual restraint, with additional imaging repeated under both sedation and anesthesia. Sedation was achieved with intramuscular administration of midazolam (2 mg/kg) and butorphanol (2 mg/kg). General anesthesia was induced and maintained by use of isoflurane gas to effect. Available imaging planes and measured parameters were comparatively limited via the TCE technique, with higher quality and more consistent imaging obtained under manual restraint as compared to under chemical sedation.⁵ Under general anesthesia, TEE obtained the most consistent, clear, and thorough imaging opportunities. For this, a pediatric transesophageal ultrasound probe was passed through the esophagus and adjusted to the level of the heart.^6,7 Cine loops were recorded, and dimensions of the heart could be measured and various parameters calculated. Based on these results, TCE is a functional imaging modality for very basic cardiac assessment in awake birds, and TEE should be considered for more detailed cardiac assessments.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Scovill Zoo in Decatur, IL; Brianna Huff; Dr. Wendy Ruiz Contreras; and the University of Illinois Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory for their parts in facilitating this study.

*Presenting author
+Student presenter

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