Abstract:
A 10-years-old Angus cow was evaluated on the field for suspected traumatic pericarditis. Physical exam findings
included tachycardia, mixed dyspnea, decreased intensity of heart sounds on the left, absence of heart sounds on the
right but presence of fluid sounds, bilateral turgidity of the jugular veins, positive venous compression test, brisket and
ventral abdominal oedema. The cow exhibited light pain while palpation at brisket region. Hematology revealed
significant erythrocytopenia, higher hematocrit, lower hemoglobin concentration, significant leukocytosis with
neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia. Serum biochemical findings had reduced glucose, urea nitrogen, albumin, sodium,
potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus levels and increased levels of AST, ALT, GGT, total protein and globulin.
Ultrasonography has shown pericardial effusion and strands of fibrin. The prognosis was poor, and pericardiocentesis or
pericardiotomy were inadequate methods of treatment, thus euthanasia was indicated.
