Evaluation of Current and Future Diagnostic and Prognostic Techniques for Traumatic Pericarditis in Cattle

Abstract

Pericarditis in cattle can be classified as traumatic pericarditis (TP), idiopathic haemorrhagic, secondary to neoplasia or septic pericarditis due to haematogenous spread of organisms, such as Colibacilli or Pasturella. In cattle, pericardial disease most commonly develops from traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP). Bovine cardiac disease often has a poor prognosis, and this is worsened when clinical manifestations of heart failure are present. Euthanasia is the treatment of choice in many cases, but for pregnant or high value animals, treatment of disease is often the preferred option and an early diagnosis can provide a better prognosis in these cases. This chapter looks at the anatomy, physiology and presentation of TP. In addition, a more in depth look at cardiac troponin is presented alongside present and future diagnostic and prognostic methods, in addition to treatment options surrounding this clinically important problem.