Clinical Examination of Farm Animals - CYF MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION

CHAPTER 6
Chest drain
5th rib
Figure 6.9 Pericardiocentesis from an animal suffering
from pericarditis. See text for details.
Blood culture
Blood for culture may be taken aseptically from the
jugular vein. This can be useful in cases of endocarditis,
but repeated samples may be needed as bacterial
release from valve lesions may be intermittent.
CLINICIAN’S CHECKLIST – RESULTS OF
SPECIAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN SELECTED
CASES
Percussion of the heart
ECG evaluation
Ultrasonographic evaluation
Radiography
Pericardiocentesis
Blood culture
Clinical signs of specific cardiac
diseases
Endocarditis
Endocarditis usually involves the tricuspid valve
in cattle and compromises cardiac function. Less
frequently the mitral or the aortic valves may be involved.
Valvular regurgitation occurs and cardiac
failure follows in most cases. Initial signs may
include intermittent pyrexia; later signs are exercise
intolerance and thoracic pain. The animal may be
anaemic following destruction of red blood cells by
the turbulence associated with regurgitation of
blood through the affected valve. A grade 2 to 6 systolic
plateau murmur may be audible over the tricuspid
valve. Heart sounds including the murmur may
be slightly muffled in cases where a pericardial effusion
is present. The ECG is normal and percussion
may reveal evidence of cardiac enlargement. An
ultrasonographic scan may demonstrate clear pericardial
fluid and evidence of vegetative growths on
the affected valve. In advanced cases signs of rightsided
heart failure, including a distended jugular
vein and brisket oedema, are present.
Pericarditis
This often follows the penetration of the reticulum by
a sharp foreign body which passes through the diaphragm
into the pericardial sac. Affected animals
may lose weight, show a reluctance to move and be-
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