Ventricular septal defects in cattle: a retrospective study of 25 cases.

Abstract

Clinical and complementary examination, pathological findings, and outcome were reviewed for 25 heifers diagnosed with ventricular septal defect (VSD). Age at presentation ranged from 36 h to 21 mo. The most common reasons for consultation were chronic respiratory problems (11 cases; 44%) or assessment of heart murmur (5 cases; 20%). A pansystolic murmur on the right thoracic side was audible in 20 cases (80%). Pneumonia that interfered with adequate cardiac auscultation was found in 15 calves (60%). Echocardiography was useful in establishing the final diagnosis of VSD (sensitivity of 94%). Prognosis was poor: only 10 calves were discharged and no heifer out of the 6 cases for which follow-up information was available had a productive life in the herd. Inadequate reproductive performance was owners' most common complaint (4 of 6 heifers).