Hereditary Cardiomyopathy, Syrian Hamster

Abstract

Syrian hamsters with hereditary cardiomyopathy usually have myocardial changes by 30–40 days of age or older. Fine white streaks in the same orientation as the myocardial fibers are visible in the epicardial aspect of the heart. Dilation of the ventricles tends to be bilateral and dependent on the underlying myocardial damage. Extensive fibrosis is sometimes associated with thinning of the ventricular wall (Fig. 17) and is evident in older animals (> 120 days) where calcified foci are easily demonstrated by Von Kossa stain (Luna 1960). Cross sections through the ventricles reveal the disseminated nature of the myopathy (Fig. 18). In many older animals mural thrombosis leads to severe dilation of the atria (Fig. 19) and obstruction of ventricles (Jasmin and Proschek 1982) Muscular degeneration is not confined to the myocardium. Skeletal muscles, especially intercostal muscles, and diaphragm are often extensively involved (Jasmin and Bajusz 1973).