Right atrioventricular valve dysplasia in a meerkat

Abstract

A 7-y-old, captive, intact female meerkat (Suricata suricatta) was presented with lethargy, decreased appetite, dyspnea, and distended abdomen. At autopsy, the right atrium was markedly dilated, and the right atrioventricular valve (RAV) was dysplastic with shortened or absent chordae tendineae and direct attachment of the valve to the papillary muscles, which, in turn, were fused and abnormally positioned. The right ventricle was considered to be hypertrophied. Also present were hydrothorax, ascites, atelectasis, and hepatic congestion. A diagnosis of RAV dysplasia was made. Histologic findings included hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and marked centrilobular hepatic congestion and hemorrhage, which were consistent with right-sided heart failure.