Veterinary Care Page 5
Cardiac Shadow
There have been several references to a floating heart and other physical differences in internal structures being noticed on X-rays of skunks. The following is a response to these references:
The cardiac shadow noted on radiographs is no different than that
of the cat or dog when comparing supporting structures. The heart
is located in the middle of the chest with lungs in the same body
cavity. There is no boney projection that holds the heart in place
in any of our mammals. [Any] reference to a floating heart is not
a radiographic, scientific, or medical approach to the evaluation
of the chest. I am not sure what exactly is meant by a floating
heart, but the heart is not in any way, shape, or form supported
differently than in dogs or cats. This is my veterinary opinion of
the subject. - Dr. Frank Krupka, DVM
Cardiac Ultrasound
Cardiac ultrasound measurements recorded on 1 skunk measured 3 different times during the course of 1 study, no anesthesia used. Data provided by Dr. Frank Krupka, DVM.
| Pass |
FS % |
EF % |
LVC mm |
SV mL |
SVI . |
|---|
| 1 |
18 |
41 |
0.683 |
1.117 |
4.468 |
| 2 |
15 |
35 |
0.937 |
1.496 |
5.989 |
| 3 |
13 |
31 |
0.50 |
1.898 |
7.593 |
L-Carnitine
The following information is provided to identify and prevent weakening of the heart in domestic skunks. We thank Wendi Vullo-Pencille and Bless the Beasts Foundation Inc. for allowing us to include this information.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Case Study in Striped Skunk
Wendi Vullo-Pencille
Bless the Beasts Foundation Inc.
Introduction
The purpose of this discussion is to disseminate the information we gathered while trying to battle Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in our skunks in the hope that the information may be used to successfully treat the disease in future cases.
Wendi Pencille - President, Bless the Beasts Foundation Inc. BS Cornell University 1985, [former] Environmental Microbiologist - Bristol-Meyers Squibb Pharmaceuticals. Wildlife Rehabilitator [17] years and counting.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
A gradual weakening of the heart muscle caused by energy deficiencies at the cellular level. Causes can range from nutrient deficiencies to viral agents. Viral Cardiomyopathy occurs in humans and is not treatable.
The result is thinning of the muscular wall and subsequent dilation of the heart with associated fluid buildup and inefficient heart function which leads to several other symptoms including:
- Poor blood flow to the lungs, liver and kidneys
- Blood clots caused by pooling platelets (static blood flow)
- Decreased clotting ability
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
Diagnosis
Initially the animal does not show outward clinical signs. Clinical signs include: lethargy, reduced appetite, reduced body temperature, weight loss, bluish color is often evident in the gums, purring sound when the animal breathes, the animal tires easily after exertion.
Once clinical signs are evident treatment must commence immediately!
Cardiomyopathy in other Species
Genetic factors play a role in Dobermans, cocker spaniels, boxers, golden retrievers Dalmatians and all giant breed dogs. Cats are also susceptible. In most treatable cases in these animals the cause is a nutritional deficiency of either Taurine or L-Carnitine.
L-Carnitine is normally synthesized in the liver from the amino acids lysine and methionine.
Treatment
Treatment includes addressing the clinical signs as well as the underlying cause.
Supportive medication for all clinical signs must be administered carefully as they often can cause other problematic symptoms such as loss of appetite and vomiting of oral medications.
In our case we tried using one amino acid compound at a time. In hindsight I would suggest that it may be beneficial to try both at once so that no time is lost if the first compound is found to be ineffective. Research may later determine which compound is responsible, however until that time, you are fighting against a deadly clock.
Our Case Study
Skunks #1 and #2, both males, approximate age 7 1/2 years (de-scented animals used in educational programs.)
- Skunk #1 became clinical in mid-November 1997.
- Initial symptoms included: decreased appetite, lethargy.
- Skunk #1 deteriorated very quickly.
- Animal was put in an ICU unit and oxygen was administered.
A transfusion of 70cc of blood from a non-related skunk (#3) was given. Initial reaction to the transfusion was positive, (increased strength and appetite) however the animal returned to its pre-transfusion state within three days. Transfusion from an unrelated animal can only be done once.
Our Case Study continued
- Initial medications for skunk #1 included:
- Lactated Ringers w/ 5% dextrose IV, Dobutamine in the IV .5ml/100ml LRS
- Taurine 500 mg BID
- Digoxin .125mg in 1ml water - 1ml PO BID (.125mg)
- Lasix .1ml (5mg) SQ BID
- Metronidazole 30mg IV TID
- Vitamin K 1cc SQ TID
- Cefazolin .6cc SQ TID
- Skunk #1 died on December 7, 1997
Our Case Study continued
- Skunk #2 diagnosed on December 6, 1997
- Animal was not clinical at this time
- EEG, X-ray and Ultrasound diagnostics confirmed that he did have DCM.
- He was put on Taurine 500mg BID
- EEG, X-rays and Ultrasound testing was done monthly over the treatment period.
- All of the EEG and ultrasound images and data are available for review.
- In late-December medications were changed to include:
- Digoxin .3cc BID (.05mg/ml)
- Lasix .2cc SQ SID (50mg/ml)
- Taurine 500 mg BID
- Vasotec 1mg SID (1/4 of 5mg Enacard)
- Several blood samples were taken to determine Taurine level. Samples were sent to Dr. Quentin Rogers University of California at Davis (an expert on Taurine deficiencies) Results received in January 1998 were equivocal.
Our Case Study continued
- Skunk #2 experienced loss of appetite and it was decided to stop the Enacard and Lasix for a short period to allow the animal to regain his appetite. Within two days his appetite returned.
- Skunk #2 became clinical in mid-January.
- At the time his L-Carnitine levels were determined to be markedly low (4X lower than affected dogs with DCM)
- Medications included:
- Digoxin .3cc BID (.05mg/ml)
- Lasix .2cc SQ SID (50mg/ml)
- L-Carnitine 1/2 tsp. PO TID
- Vasotec 1mg SID (1/4 of 5mg Enacard)
- Feline/Canine A/D science diet
Our Case Study continued
- Enacard and Lasix were given for three days followed by a two day interval with none given to allow the animal to maintain an appetite. When his appetite was low the animal required force feeding which was stressful.
- Skunk #2 showed marked clinical improvement by May 1998, but Ultrasound still revealed an enlarged heart.
- In July 1998 Skunk #2 died from causes unrelated to DCM. A necropsy was performed and the heart at that time was markedly reduced in size.
Conclusions
- A deficiency of L-Carnitine was the cause of the DCM in skunk #2 and may have been responsible for DCM in skunk #1 as well.
- More research is needed to determine why the animals stop producing the compound on their own. This may be related to captive diet.
- Since there are no known adverse effects of L-Carnitine, it may be beneficial to supplement the diet of captive skunks with L-Carnitine.
Resources
- L-Carnitine sources -
- Solgar 1-800-645-2246 - 250mg capsules 60 caps
- [ED: Other sources are readily available at drug and health food stores]
- L-Carnitine in powder form readily absorbs moisture from the air and form a hard mass. It must be kept in a cold dry place and it must be kept tightly closed.
- When force feeding skunks, we found it best to use a dampened towel to wrap the animal in. The damp towel aids in keeping the animal from twisting around on you.
- Dr. Quentin Rogers UC Davis - Taurine deficiency expert
- Dr. Michael Bonda - Our attending veterinarian and friend. Mike has agreed to take calls or emails from veterinarians treating animals with DCM. Please contact me for his address.
- Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center - provided all of the care and diagnostic equipment for our animals. Approximate cost for all treatment from day one to necropsies - $4,000.
To Help the Heart
I have contact the manufacturer and they said
"Heart and Body Extract has been used successfully with cats, dogs, horses and flying squirrels so far that I am aware of
Use 1 drop mixed with 1/2 ml of water for every 10 pounds of body weight."
We have used this in our skunks. Just thought I would share with people for just in case if any one wants to try it.
We use Cranberry relief to get fluids out of the body due to heart problems,
http://www.healthypets.com/crre50gm.html
Natural diuretics are natural foods or herbs that will increase flow of urine and aid in the removal of fluids from the body. While using natural diuretics or synthetic to aid in removal of excess fluids from the body, it can also mean loss of very important vitamins and minerals too. It is essential that you supplement to prevent loss of vital electrolytes.
- Green tea is a natural diuretic food that has been in use for centuries in China.
- Cranberry juice can aid in removal of excess fluid retention.
- Apple cider vinegar exhibits natural diuretic properties and in addition maintains the potassium levels. It can be added to the salad dressing.
- Dandelion is often used as a natural diuretic.
- Nettle has natural diuretic properties that facilitate good cleansing.
- Dandelion leaf tea aids in detoxification and has a beneficial effect on those suffering from cystitis and urinary tract infections.
- Fennel has carminative and diuretic properties and is frequently used in seasoning food.
Diuretic food with high water content:
- Watermelons and cucumbers help increase urination and flushing out of toxins. Cucumbers are rich in sulfur and silicon that stimulate the kidneys into better removal of uric acid. Watercress and artichokes are also natural diuretic foods.
- Brussels Spouts help in stimulating the kidneys and pancreas. This helps in better cleansing of cells.
- Beets are natural diuretic foods that attack floating body fats and fatty deposits.
- Oats contain silica-a natural diuretic.
- Cabbage is known to aid breakage of fatty deposits, especially around the abdominal region.
- Carrots are a rich source of carotene that speeds the metabolic rate of the body and hastens removal of fat deposits and waste.
- Lettuce aids better metabolism and flushing of toxins.
- Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C that aids the metabolism and release of water from the kidney to flush out waste.
- Horseradish, raw onions and radish speed up your metabolism.
NOT for Skunks
- Asparagus contains asparigine - a chemical alkaloid that boosts kidney performance and improving waste removal from the body. DO NOT USE FOR SKUNKS KNOWN TO CAUSE SEIZURES
Remember, Moderation and Caution should always be used for any Diuretic.
This information is for informational purpose only, and is not intended to replace the advice or care of your doctor.
© 2004-2012 Skunk Haven™ Skunk Rescue, Shelter, and Education, Inc.
Revised 02/29/12 (SRS)
