Cardiovascular Drugs in Avian, Small Mammal, and Reptile Medicine

Pericardial effusion in a central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), with a technique for pericardiocentesis

“…Unfortunately, in this case a definitive diagnosis could not be determined. Regardless, treatment of pericardial effusion is based around removal of fluid and treating the underlying cause of fluid accumulation 2 . In the current report, medical treatment was given concurrently with pericardiocentesis.…”

“…In reptile medicine, cardiovascular interventions are largely extrapolated from small animal and human medicine 2 . There is also a limit to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data available for the class reptilia, let alone in individual species 2 . Pimobendan was administered at 0.2 mg/kg/day to increase cardiac contractility.…”

“…2 There is also a limit to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data available for the class reptilia, let alone in individual species. 2 Pimobendan was administered at 0.2 mg/kg/day to increase cardiac contractility. The owner was made aware of the potential side effects of lethargy and exacerbated weakness.…”

“…A treatment plan for congestive heart disease was adapted in this case. In reptile medicine, cardiovascular interventions are largely extrapolated from small animal and human medicine 2 . There is also a limit to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data available for the class reptilia, let alone in individual species 2 .…”

“…2,6,7 The dose was extrapolated from that of other exotic pets, including African grey parrot doses available in the literature. 2,6,7 In this case, the patient initially demonstrated a significant clinical improvement, and survived for 4 weeks post-pericardiocentesis, compared to the case in the study by Sweet et al 4 which was treated with pericardiocentesis alone. Clinical improvement in this case was noted by an increased appetite, reduction in dyspnoea, increased activity and a reduced exercise intolerance.…”