Clinical and pathological findings in two rats (rattus norvegicus) with dilated cardiomyopathy

Two 2-year-old intact female rats (Rattus norvegicus) were presented with severe dyspnea and tachypnea. In rat 1, radiographic evaluation of the thorax revealed chronic pleural effusion, and cardiomegaly was suspected, suggesting a severe congestive heart failure. Echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral pleural effusion, severe dilated cardiomyopathy, hepatomegaly, and mild abdominal effusion. Thoracocentesis and cytological examination revealed a chylous effusion. The patient was treated with a low fat diet, octreotide, and medication to treat heart disease (furosemide, benazepril, pimobendan, and digoxin).
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research