Clinicopathological and ultrasonographic findings in 40 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with traumatic pericarditis

Cardiac biomarkers as tools in the prediction and diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis and traumatic reticuloperitonitis in cattle and buffaloes

BACKGROUND

In the livestock industry, Foreign Body Syndrome is a devastating disease condition. Feeding management, lacking of food discrimination, and eating chopped food increase the risk of swallowing sharp foreign bodies in bovine species. In addition to the honeycomb cells shape of the reticulum, the contractions of the reticular wall, gravid uterine pressure, and parturition efforts, foreign bodies can penetrate the reticular wall, causing cascade of problems including traumatic reticulitis, traumatic reticuloperitonitis, and traumatic pericarditis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic significance of cardiac troponin I rapid test cassette and other cardiac biomarkers including serum cardiac troponin I (cTn I), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (AST), in confirmed cases of traumatic pericarditis (TP) and/or traumatic reticuleoperitonitis (TRP) in cattle and buffaloes.

METHODS

A total number of 30 animals (22 cattle and 8 buffaloes) with different signs such as anorexia, jugular distension, brisket edema, and signs of pain (reluctance to move, arching back, and abduction of the forelimbs) were included in the present study. Based on case history, clinical signs, ferroscopic, pericardiocentesis, radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations, TP were confirmed in cattle (n = 10) and buffaloes (n = 8) while TRP were confirmed only in cattle (n = 12). Additionally, 20 clinically healthy animals (n = 10 cattle and 10 buffaloes) were used as a control group. Blood samples were collected for determination of blood level of Tn-I, and activity of CK-MB, LDH, and AST.

RESULTS

The obtained results revealed a highly significant increase in serum cTn I in diseased cattle with TP and TRP (P = 0.00), while buffaloes with TP showed no significant changes in serum cTn I (P = 0.111). Both diseased cattle and buffaloes showed increased serum activities of CK-MB, AST, and LDH enzyme. On the other hand, cardiac troponin I rapid test cassette failed to detect cTn I in diseased animals.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that the cardiac troponin I rapid test cassette did not have a diagnostic significance and could not be used as a point-of-care under field condition for diagnosis of TP and TRP in large ruminants. However, the serum troponin I level is helpful in diagnosis of TP and TRP in cattle. Although cardiac biomarkers have some diagnostic values in TP and TRP, the traditional diagnostic methods (clinical, radiography and ultrasonography examinations) are crucial for thorough evaluation of TP/TRP cases in bovine.

Ultrasonography of the Kidneys in Healthy and Diseased Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

This review article is written to describe the results of ultrasonography of the kidneys in healthy camels as well as camels with some renal disorders. In the dromedary camel, the physiology of the kidney is of interest in view of the specialization of the camel to hot dry deserts and to prolonged periods without water. It plays an important role in water conservation through the production of highly concentrated urine that may predispose animal to varieties of renal disorders. Examples of kidney affections in dromedary camels are renal capsular pigmentation, medullary hyperemia, subcapsular calcification, cortical and medullar discoloration, hemorrhage in renal pelvis, nephrolithiasis, and hydatidosis. Congestion, hemorrhage, hydronephrosis, acute glomerulonephritis, subacute glomerulonephritis, chronic glomerulonephritis, diffuse interstitial nephritis, focal interstitial nephritis, renal cyst, hyaline degeneration, renal amyloidosis, tubular nephrosis, pyelonephritis, hemosiderosis, and renal toxicity. When the kidney is examined by ultrasonography, the clinician can get sufficient information about the size, position, and echo patterns of the renal cortex and medulla and renal pelvis and outlines of the renal blood vessels. In recent years, ultrasonography has been used in camels for scanning of the healthy status as well as evaluation and determining the diagnosis and prognosis of diseased cases. Examples of diseases evaluated by ultrasonography are paratuberculosis, trypanosomiasis, pneumonia, pleurisy, gastrointestinal neoplasms, chronic peritonitis, splenic abscessation, and hepatic disorders. Of the renal disorders assessed by ultrasonography are nephrolithiasis, hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, renal abscessation, and renal neoplasms. Ultrasound guidance in biopsy of renal specimens has also been reported in dromedary camels.

Congestive heart failure in cattle; etiology, clinical, and ultrasonographic findings in 67 cases

Background and Aim:

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a clinical disorder that results from cardiac dysfunction with subsequent fatal outcomes in most cases. Several diseases are incriminated in occurrence of CHF. Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify CHF etiology and associated clinical findings in 67 cows and to investigate the relationship between CHF and the other body organs using ultrasonographic examination.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-seven cows affected by CHF admitted to the clinic with a history of loss of appetite, decrease in milk production, constipation, and brisket edema were thoroughly investigated clinically and ultrasonographically. In addition, ten apparently healthy cows were used as a control group.

Results:

Clinically, cows with CHF manifested jugular engorgement and pulsation (88.1%), brisket and/or intermandibular edema (77.6%), and muffled heart sounds (76.1%). Based on the ultrasonographic examination, traumatic pericarditis (82.1%) was the most prevalent etiology of CHF. Extracardiac etiology of CHF identified were exudative pleurisy (10.4%) and mediastinal abscesses (7.5%). Hepatomegaly (88.1%) and pleural effusion (61.2%) were the most documented consequences.

Conclusion:

Both cardiac and extracardiac diseases could be associated with CHF in cattle. Ultrasonographic changes in liver and pleura secondary to CHF were the most common findings. Ultrasonography is a good tool for the diagnosis of cardiac and extracardiac etiologies of CHF in cattle.

Clinical and ultrasonographic investigations of 30 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with hepatomegaly

Background and Aim:

Knowledge of normal ultrasonographic dimensions of the liver and associated vascular structures is an important indicator for the diagnosis of hepatic diseases. Enlargement of the liver beyond its normal dimensions is the term of hepatomegaly and ultrasonography is the primary and the suitable diagnostic technique for this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical and ultrasonographic findings of liver diseases causing hepatomegaly in 30 buffaloes as well as to provide a range of liver dimensions and its blood vessel measurements in normal and diseased buffaloes.

Materials and Methods:

The study population included 30 buffaloes that were admitted to the clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Zagazig University for investigation of clinical signs associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as anorexia, chronic weight loss, and variable degrees of diarrhea or constipation. The animals were subjected to thorough clinical and ultrasonographic investigations. In addition, 10 healthy buffaloes were investigated ultrasonographically and post-slaughtering for comparison of liver dimensions and physical appearance.

Results:

Three conditions causing hepatomegaly were identified in this study as multiple focal hepatic lesions, diffuse fatty liver, and hepatic congestion. Clinically, it was difficult to differentiate between each condition while ultrasonography was the ideal tool for diagnosis after comparing with necropsy as a gold standard tool. Hepatomegaly was recorded in all affected animals with a significant decrease in the size of the portal vein (PV) and caudal vena cava (CVC) in animals affected with multiple focal hepatic lesions and fatty liver disease while the size of the PV and CVC was significantly increased in buffaloes with hepatic congestion.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography can aid to accurately identify buffaloes with hepatomegaly and differentiate between different lesions involved.

Traumatic pericarditis caused by a bamboo twig in captive waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

A 19-year-old captive male waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) exhibited traumatic pericarditis at necropsy. The animal weighed 182 kg at necropsy and revealed no remarkable findings in external observation. Severe pericardial adhesions with fibrosis, hepato-diaphragmatic adhesions, straw-colored ascites and hepatosplenomegaly were observed upon examining the internal organs. Perforations made by a 12-cm-long sharp-ended bamboo twig were detected in the reticulum, diaphragm, pericardium, lung and liver. Trueperella pyogenes was identified in pericardial fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of traumatic reticulopericarditis caused by a sharp-ended bamboo twig in a captive waterbuck.

Comparison of radiography and ultrasonography in the detection of lung and liver cysts in cattle and buffaloes

AIM

Echinococcosis is the major cause of lung and liver cysts in ruminants. This study compared usefulness of radiography and ultrasonography (USG) in the detection of lung and/or liver cysts in sick bovine animals. The study also worked out cooccurrence of lung and liver cysts, and whether these cysts were primary cause of sickness or not.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 45 sick bovine (37 buffaloes and 8 cattle) suffering from lung and liver cysts. A complete history of illness and clinical examination was carried out. Lateral radiographs of chest and reticular region were taken. In radiographically positive or suspected cases of cysts, USG of the lung and liver region was done. Depending on the location of cyst and clinical manifestations of the animal, the cysts were categorized as primary or secondary causes of sickness.

RESULTS

Using either imaging technique, it was observed that 46.7% of the animals had both lung and liver cysts, whereas 33.3% had only lung and 20% had only liver cyst. Cysts were identified as primary cause of sickness in 31.1% animals only. For diagnosing lung cysts, radiography (71.1%) and USG (62.2%) had similar diagnostic utility. However, for detecting liver cysts, USG was the only imaging tool.

CONCLUSION

The lung and liver cysts, depending on their number and size may be a primary cause of sickness in bovine. Radiography and USG are recommended, in combination, as screening tools to rule out echinococcosis.

Cardiac biomarkers and ultrasonography as tools in prediction and diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis in Egyptian buffaloes

AIM

This study was designed to evaluate the cardiac biomarkers and ultrasonography in prediction and early diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis (TP) in Egyptian buffaloes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total number of 47 buffaloes were included in the study and divided into two groups: Healthy (n=10) and diseased groups (n=37). Diseased buffaloes were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Zagazig University, Egypt, with a history of anorexia, sudden, and severe reduction of milk production with no response to a previous medical treatment some animals had edema at the dewlap and congestion of the jugulars. These animals were subjected to clinical examination, evaluation by hemato-biochemical analysis including cardiac biomarkers and sonography.

RESULTS

The hemato-biochemical analysis revealed leukocytosis with a shift to left and hyperfibrinogenemia (indicating inflammation). Serum cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin I (cTnI), cTnT, nitric oxide, creatine kinase myocardial band, and lactic dehydrogenase enzyme were significantly increased in buffaloes with TP compared with control ones. Ultrasonographically, there were hypoechoic materials with echogenic fibrin interspersed in between the pericardial sac.

CONCLUSIONS

The cardiac biomarkers may be considered a useful index in the early diagnosis of TP. Moreover, ultrasonography is an excellent tool for early prediction and diagnosis of such condition.

Echocardiography of the normal camel (Camelus dromedaries) heart: technique and cardiac dimensions

Background

Echocardiography and intra-cardiac dimensions have not previously been reported in adult camels despite its potential application for medical purpose. The aim of this study was to describe the results of a prospective study, aiming to report normal cardiac appearance and normal chamber dimensions in adult camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Results

On the right side, when the probe was placed in the 5^th or 4^th intercostal space (ICS), the caudal long-axis four-chamber view of the ventricles, atria, and the interventricular septum was obtained. Placing the probe slightly more cranially in the 4^th ICS, the caudal long-axis four-chamber view and the caudal long-axis view of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) were imaged. In 7 camels, a hybrid view between a “four-chamber” and “LVOT view” was imaged from the same position. The short-axis view of the ventricles was obtained in the 4^th ICS where the transducer was rotated between 0° and 25°. Placement of the transducer in the 3^rd ICS allowed visualisation of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). On the left side, when the probe was placed in the 5^th or 4^th ICS, a four-chamber view was obtained. The LVOT is imaged in the 4^th ICS and the RVOT was seen from the 3^rd ICS.

Conclusions

This study showed that it is possible to obtain good-quality echocardiograms in adult camels and provide normal cardiac dimensions. This study could be used as a reference for further studies concerning camels with cardiac diseases.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of abdominal distension in 52 camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in the evaluation of abdominal distension in 52 camels (Camelus dromedarius). The conditions included trypanosomiasis (n=35), intestinal obstruction (n=12) and ruptured urinary bladder (n=5). Fifteen clinically normal camels were included as controls. Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography was carried out on all camels. In animals with trypanosomiasis, ultrasonographic findings included accumulation of massive amounts of hypoechoic abdominal fluids where liver, intestine, kidney, spleen and urinary bladder were imaged floating. Except in two cases of bile duct calcification and one of hepatic abscessation, no detectable abnormal sonographic lesions were detected while imaging the hepatic and renal parenchyma, and the heart and its valves and major blood vessels. In camels with intestinal obstruction, ultrasonographic findings included distended intestinal loops with markedly reduced or absent motility. In one camel, the intestinal lumen contained localised hyperechoic material that was consistent with a foreign body. Hypoechoic fluid with or without fibrin was seen between intestinal loops. In camels with ruptured urinary bladder, ultrasonographic findings included collapsed and perforated bladder, echogenic blood clots within the urinary bladder and peritoneal cavity, increased thickness of the bladder wall, floating intestines in hypoechogenic fluid and echogenic calculi within the urethra. Ultrasonography was considered a useful tool for the evaluation of dromedary camels with abdominal distension.