Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Egyptian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with traumatic pericarditis

Traumatic pericarditis (TP) remains a serious problem facing bovine producers; particularly in the developing countries; causing severe economic losses. This study was carried out on 47 buffaloes including; control buffaloes (n = 20) and buffaloes with TP (n = 27) at Assiut governorate, Egypt. All animals were subjected to thorough clinical examination, whole blood profiling, blood serum biochemical assays, and radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The recorded ultrasonographic findings included; the contractility, contour and shape of the reticulum, shape and size of the heart and spleen involvement. All data were statistically analysed. Buffaloes with TP showed lymphocytic leucocytosis, increase in serum activities of AST, hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. Radio-opaque metal foreign bodies, cardiomegaly and loss of the normal cardiac shape and contour were the most common radiographic findings in the diseased buffaloes. Ultrasonographically, the diseased buffaloes showed either acute pericarditis (n = 10) or chronic suppurative pericarditis (n = 17). Complete cessation of reticular contractions (0/3 min) and displacement of the reticulum from the diaphragm by a distance about 2.6–4.5 cm were the most common ultrasonographic findings of both types of pericarditis. In addition, the reticulum had uneven contour and the heart showed characteristic changes in its size, shape and contractility that was either accelerated or reduced. Reticular abscesses and peritoneal effusions were also imaged in all diseased buffaloes. In acute TP; the affected heart was enlarged with strong and clear cardiac contractions. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids interspersed with echogenic deposits of fibrin within heart tissue and pericardium was observed. In chronic suppurative pericarditis, cardiomegaly, thickening of the cardiac wall and loss of the characteristic recognisable heart shape were the common ultrasonographic findings. Accumulation of hypoechoic fluids (usually pus) interspersing with echogenic deposits of fibrin within the pericardium, ventricles, atria and valves was also observed. In conclusion, ultrasonography with the aids of other diagnostic tools such as clinical findings, laboratory analysis and radiography has a high efficacy in evaluation of diseased buffaloes with TP.