Cardiac Disease of Raptors

Postmortem Evaluation of Cardiac Valvular Disease in Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

“…2 These bacteria originate from acute traumatic wounds and focal infections such as salpingitis, pododermatitis, or gut translocation. 1,3,7 The yellow vegetative endocarditis lesions in this case containing reactive fibroblasts, edema, macrophages, bacterial cocci, and thrombosis were consistent with endocarditis lesions in other species. 10 The most commonly affected valves in birds are the left atrioventricular and aortic valves.…”

“…Captive birds of prey are susceptible to cardiac disease due to their higher fat diet, less-active lifestyle, and ability to reach geriatric ages. 1 Five of the 6 eagles were >25 years old. Females may have a higher prevalence of cardiac disease given the mobilization of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, and triglycerides during ovulation (egg laying).…”

“…Females may have a higher prevalence of cardiac disease given the mobilization of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, and triglycerides during ovulation (egg laying). 1,47…”

“…6 Clinical signs of cardiac valvular disease are typically subclinical but can progress to dyspnea, syncope, and arrhythmias. 1 The prognosis becomes guarded if secondary congestive heart failure develops. 7…”

“…Cardiovascular disease in birds of prey is often underreported compared to their companion avian counterparts. 1,2 However, cardiomyopathies, endocarditis, atherosclerosis, and pathogenic arrhythmias (eg, supraventricular premature complexes, second-degree atrioventricular blocks) have been described in raptor species. 1,3,4 A retrospective study of postmortem examinations conducted on 75 captive birds of prey found that 24% of the birds had cardiac lesions, including myofiber degenera-tion, myocarditis, endocarditis, pericarditis, atherosclerosis, and thrombi.…”