Cardiac disease in calves

Question 1

Congenital cardiac disorders presenting signs

Answer 1

◦ Murmurs
◦ Poor growth
◦ Increased respiratory rate/effort
◦ Cough

Question 2

Most common abnormality and sign

Answer 2

Ventricular septal defect
* Obvious pansystolic murmur
◦ R > L
◦ Higher murmur grade = smaller defect

Question 3

Other congenital defects

Answer 3

• Multiple defects
  ◦ Tetralogy of Fallot
  ‣ VSD + pulmonary stenosis + R. ventricular hypertrophy + over-riding aorta
  ◦ Prognosis for multiple defects = poor
• Atrial septal defect (ASD)
  ◦ Uncommon
• Ectopia cordis
  ◦ Dramatic appearance (heart is visible beating in the neck region)
  ◦ Very rare

Question 4

What are 2 examples non cardiac diseases that cause cardiac abnormalities?

Answer 4

• Hyperkalaemia
  ◦ Bradyarrhythmias
  ‣ Severe, acute diarrhoea – neonatal calves
  ‣ Urinary obstructions – older (male) calves and male sheep and goats
• White muscle disease (Vitamin E/selenium deficiency)
  ◦ Myocardial damage -> focal, multifocal or diffuse
  ◦ Cardiac signs variable