Transthoracic Echocardiography in Nonsedated, Free-Ranging Healthy Agoutis (Dasyprocta Azarae)

Most of the agouti species are kept in captivity, including the species Dasyprocta azarae. These animals are of zootechnical interest and, in addition, they can potentially be used as experimentation models because of their physical characteristics and possibility of manipulation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the echocardiographic exam in nonsedated agoutis and to determine the normal reference ranges for the standard transthoracic echocardiographic parameters in healthy, adult, free-ranging agoutis found in an urban wood and intended for scientific investigations. Most of the echocardiographic parameters evaluated were similar to what has already been described for other rodent species such as rabbits or the Dasyprocta primnolopha agoutis. Based on the information compiled in this study, echocardiographic examination is feasible in awake adult, free-ranging agoutis. The results obtained from the morphologic and hemodynamic evaluation of the heart can help in future studies, either involving the clinical aspects or considering the potential use of these animals as an experimental model.