Tiny tamarin heart check success
At just two-and-a-half centimetres, the heart of Melbourne Zoo Emperor Tamarin, Mushu, is tiny but – thankfully – beating strongly.
A tiny heart is exactly what veterinarians hoped an intricate heart ultrasound would show after initial medical tests suggested an enlarged heart within the tiny moustachioed monkey.
Eight-year-old female, Mushu, and her 11-year-old male mate, Bonito, are known for their charming antics scampering from tree-to-tree, and their obvious affection for each other.
However, a full-body X-ray while Mushu was undergoing a general health check revealed what appeared to be an enlarged heart.
So, in a collaborative effort between Melbourne Zoo's dedicated veterinary team and a specialist heart veterinarian, an intricate heart ultrasound scan was conducted for Mushu.
Images from the scan were crystal clear, showing the ventricles and chambers of her 2.5cm heart in amazing detail.
"Diagnosing a heart problem in a tamarin with just a stethoscope and an X-ray can be tricky," said Melbourne Zoo veterinarian Bonnie McMeekin. "Understanding their cardiac health is crucial for their long-term well-being.
“This heart ultrasound has shown us that Mushu’s heart is working well and is a normal size. Having an ultrasound of her heart now gives us a reference for the size of a healthy tamarin heart.”
After the procedure, little Mushu returned to her habitat to cosy up to Bonito for some reassuring grooming and affection.
Visitors can see Mushu and Bonito along Melbourne Zoo’s Tree-top primate trail.