Research Journal for Veterinary Practitioners

Short Communication
Res. J. Vet. Pract. 5(1): 15-18
Http://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.rjvp/2017/5.1.15.18
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Annas Salleh

Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract | Myocardial fibrosis the most important cardiovascular disease (CVD) in great apes, especially in orangutan (Pongo sp.) and gorilla (Gorilla sp.). This article describe for the first time a case of mild myocardial fibrosis leading to septicaemia in a bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). A 24 year old bornean orangutan was reported with two episodes of inactivity and inappetence before its death. At necropsy, jaundice, severe pulmonary congestion and haemorrhages, pulmonary oedema and hepatomegaly were among the most important lesions observed. Histopathological examination revealed mild left ventricular myocardial fibrosis and haemosiderin-laden alveolar macrophages. Subsequent isolation of Escherichia coli from multiple organs confirmed the diagnosis of colisepticaemia.

Keywords | Cardiovascular disease, Colisepticaemia, Myocardial fibrosis, Orangutan, Pongo sp