Congestive heart failure associated with myxomatous degeneration of the left atrioventricular valve in a parakeet

Congestive heart failure was diagnosed in a 27-year-old Indian ringneck parakeet with exercise-induced dyspnea. A grade IV/VI holosystolic murmur that radiated to the right sternal area was auscultated over the left side of the sternum. Radiography revealed progressive cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, pulmonary edema, and accumulation of fluid within the coelomic cavity. Echocardiography revealed biatrial enlargement and enlargement of the right ventricle. Doppler recording revealed high velocity left and right atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Treatment with digoxin and furosemide alleviated clinical signs for approximately 10 months. Gross postmortem examination revealed cardiac enlargement and eccentric hypertrophy of both ventricles on cross-section. Pulmonary congestion and edema, hepatomegaly, hepatic congestion, and ascites were also evident. Histologic examination of the heart revealed myxomatous degeneration of the left atrioventricular valve, muscular hypertrophy of the right atrioventricular valve, and biventricular chronic myofiber degeneration and necrosis.