Integrative review on biomarkers of stress-triggered cardiac, renal, and multi-organ dysfunction in wildlife and zoo species

Abstract

Wildlife and zoo animals are frequently exposed to acute and chronic stressors, including capture, restraint, translocation, live stranding, predation attempts, environmental extremes, and human wildlife conflicts. These stressors can precipitate severe physiological responses culminating in cardiac injury, acute kidney injury (AKI), and multi organ failure. Stress related syndromes particularly capture myopathy represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality across multiple taxa. This review synthesizes current evidence on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, biochemical and molecular biomarkers, species susceptibility, and management of stress induced organ damage in wildlife and zoological settings. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms linking extreme stress to myocardial damage, myoglobinuric kidney injury, and systemic organ dysfunction. The review highlights common clinical features, the utility of emerging biomarkers such as cardiac troponins and creatine kinase, and the limitations posed by species heterogeneity and lack of standardized reference intervals. Evidence based strategies for prevention, monitoring, and intervention are discussed, with recommendations for future research aimed at improving conservation and clinical outcomes.