Comprehensive approaches to diagnose thoracic cavity disorders (TCD) in cattle

Abstract

The aim of the study was to document the prevalence and diagnosis of thoracic cavity disorders (TCD) in cattle. All the selected animals subjected to detailed anamnesis; physical, clinical haemato-biochemical, electrolytes, cardiac biomarker, thoracic radiography and ultrasonographic examination were performed. The prevalence of TCD was 0.76%, among these; cardiac disorders (CD) was in 37.0%, lung disorders (LD) in 22.0%, lung and cardiac disorders (LCD) in 22.0% and diaphragmatic hernia (DH) in 19.0%. Highest prevalence of thoracic cavity disorders was recorded in Jersey cross bred cattle (62.0%). More than 3 years of age and pregnant animals were the mostly affected. The most predominant clinical signs was recorded in the order of grunting, dyspnea, abduction of elbow, brisket edema, jugular vein engorgement, jowl edema, rumen hypo-motility and muffled heart sound. Haematology revealed significant reduction of Hb, PCV and RBC. Significant decrease in the mean values of serum TP, albumin, glucose, cholesterol and increases in ALP and AST levels were observed. Significant increase in the cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB, LDH and cTnI) was noticed. The presences of foreign body, DH and pericardial effusion were in radiographic examination. Ultrasound examination revealed anechoic fluid (37.50%), mixed echogenic fluid (18.75%), echogenic fibrinous strands (21.85%) on both of respiratory and cardiac disorders. Comprehensive approaches could facilitate early diagnosis of thoracic cavity disorders, as well as to assess the diseases status and to initiate appropriate therapeutic protocols in cattle.