Lizard Cardiovascular Disease



Cardiovascular disease may be primary or secondary.

' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)

Aetiology

  • Infectious
  • Parasitic
  • Congenital
  • Nutritional (e.g. calcification of large vessels)

Clinical signs

Clinical signs of cardiovascular disease are usually non-specific such as anorexia and weight loss. Signs such as swelling in the area of the heart, peripheral oedema and ascites warrant investigation of the cardiovascular system.

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Physical examination especially auscultation
  • Blood culture
  • Radiography
  • Ultrasound
  • Doppler flow detector
  • Electrocardiography though interpretation may be a problem
  • Necropsy

Treatment

  • Supportive treatment
  • Antimicrobial if infectious
  • Correction of husbandry