Atrial septal defect in a chinchilla

Background

Atrial septal defects have not previously been reported in pet chinchillas.

Case Description

An 8-year-old intact male chinchilla was presented with concerns of hyporexia of 4 days duration. On physical examination, the chinchilla was found to have evidence of dental disease and a grade 4/6 systolic murmur with a point of maximal intensity over the left side of the chest. Thoracic radiography showed evidence of moderate to severe right-sided cardiomegaly. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed a left-to-right shunt through a 4 millimeter atrial septal defect. No treatment was instituted at the time of diagnosis, and further follow up examination was declined. At a follow-up by phone 6 months after initial presentation, the owner reported that the chinchilla was doing well.

Conclusion and Case Relevance

This case report is significant because cardiac diseases are not well reported in chinchillas. An atrial septal defect should be considered as a differential in chinchilla patients that present with a cardiac murmur.