Exam 2: Cardiac Disease

Question 1

When does pericarditis generally occur?

Answer 1

2-5 days after parturition

Question 2

What are the clinical signs of pericarditis?

Answer 2

• Decreased milk production
• Anorexia
• Odontopresis
• Respiratory grunt

Question 3

What are the cardiovascular findings of pericarditis?

Answer 3

• Muffled heart sounds
• Tachycardia
• “Splashing sounds”
• “Friction rub”

Question 4

What is the “Splashing sound” found in pericarditis cases?

Answer 4

Fluid buildup in the pericardium: Reticulum to Diaphragm to Heart

Question 5

How long does the metal need to be to cause pericarditis?

Answer 5

2.5 to 3 inches

Prevention: Magnet

Question 6

What is the species variation in response to hypoxia?

Answer 6

Hyper-reactive lung blood vessels
* Highly: Bovine, porcine
* Moderate: Equine, humans

Hyporeactive
* Least: Ovine, caprine, caninie

Question 7

What is the pathogenesis of high-altitiude disease?

Answer 7

1. Hypoxia of high altitude
2. Pulmonary vasoconstriction
3. Pulmonary hypertension
4. Right ventricular dilation-hypertrophy
5. Congestive heart failure

Question 8

What are the necropsy findings of high-altitude disease?

Answer 8

• Right ventricular enlargement
• Nutmeg liver

Question 9

What is cardiomyopathy?

Answer 9

An acute or chronic degenerative process involving the ventricular myocardium

Question 10

What can cause cardiomyopathy?

Answer 10

• Ionophore toxicity
• Plant toxins: Gossypol (cotton seed)
• Snake venom
• Blister beetles (cathandrin)
• Selenium/ Vitamin E deficiency
• Lymphosarcoma

Question 11

How can you tell the difference between ascites and bloat?

Answer 11

• In cases of bloat most of the distension will occur on the left side
• In cases of ascites, the fluid doesn’t really care which side it’s in –> expansion of gut wall on both sides