Vol. 11, Special Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Jafarsab, Ravindra BG, Bhagavantappa B, Sandeep Halmandge, Prashantkumar Waghe, Priyanka, Vivek R Kasaralikar and NA Patil

Abstract:
The study was carried out in 12 animals affected with pericarditis, showing clinical signs like jugular pulsations, jugular cording, oedema of brisket or submandibular region, muffled heart sounds and tachycardia. The mean age of animals affected was 6.33±0.81 years, significant increase in rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and capillary refill time in affected animals. Haemato logically there was leucocytosis along with neutrophilia and lymphopenia, significant decrease in RBC, Hb and PCV indicating anaemia was recorded. Biochemically significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP, TP, globulins, creatinine and cTn - I concentrations and significant decrease in albumin, calcium and glucose in the cattle affected with pericarditis. Electrocardiography revealed normal sinus rhythm in 22.22%, low amplitude QRS complexes in 33.33%, ST-segment coving in 22.22%, prolonged ST-segment duration in 11.11%, and supraventricular tachycardia in 11.11% of the animals affected with pericarditis. Echocardiography revealed presence of pericardial effusions, accumulation of hypoechoic fluid and hyperechoic fibrin floating in the pericardial fluid. Radiographic examination of lateral thorax evidenced presence of foreign body beyond the diaphragm. Ultrasound guided pericardiocentesis revealed presence of pus or blood mixed pus on aspiration. Necropsy findings were presence of foreign body penetrating base of the heart, bread and butter appearance of the heart. Histopathological studies on the heart muscle found thickening of pericardium with infiltration of inflammatory cells and presence of parasitic micro cyst i.e., Sarcocystis spp.