MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF A LARGE NONRESTRICTIVE ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT IN A CRAB-EATING MACAQUE (MACACA FASCICULARIS)

Atrial septal defects represent one of the most common congenital heart diseases in humans as well as in dogs and cats. However, reports in wildlife animals are limited. Additionally, ensuring treatment compliance and regular follow-ups in these species are often challenging. The aim of the present clinical brief is to describe the first successful long-term medical management of a nonrestrictive atrial septal defect in a crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis). A seven-year-old castrated male crab-eating macaque was diagnosed with a severe left-to-right shunting, 7.5 mm atrial septal defect with altered general condition, right heart enlargement, and vena cava dilation. Medical treatment (spironolactone and taurine) was initiated and was associated with progressive improvement of the clinical status over time. Serial echocardiographic examinations confirmed substantial reduction of both defect size (0.9 mm) and right-sided volume overload. Two years after the initial diagnosis, the animal is doing well without any treatment.