Medical management of dilated cardiomyopathy in livingstone fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii)

Abstract

Eleven cases of dilated cardiomyopathy have been diagnosed and treated in captive Livingstone fruit bats ( Pteropus livingstonii) in the United Kingdom over the past 7 yr. All but one case received treatment with a diuretic plus an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), and, or pimobendan. One case is still under treatment with pimobendan alone, following diagnosis before onset of clinical signs. Diuretic treatment consisted of furosemide at a dose rate of 0.5-5 mg/kg, one to three times daily, and, or spironolactone at a dose rate of 1-4 mg/kg, once or twice daily. When used, the ACEI imidapril was given at a dose rate of 0.24-0.38 mg/kg q 24 hr, and pimobendan at a dose rate of 0.2-0.5 mg/kg bid. This report is intended to provide anyone seeking to medically manage heart failure in Pteropus species, particularly P. livingstonii, with a review of drugs and doses that have been used.