Concurrent traumatic pericarditis and liver rupture in a Holstein Friesian crossbred cow: Pathological insights
Author(s): R Mahaprabhu
Abstract: An adult Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred cow was referred to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, for necropsy examination. Externally, the cow showed pale conjunctival mucous membranes and abdominal distension. Internally, the abdominal cavity was filled with blood and clotted masses. The liver exhibited a 15 cm-long linear rupture with blood clots along the margins. The pericardium was markedly thickened, and the pericardial sac contained approximately 100 ml of thick, brownish, purulent exudate. The inner pericardium had irregular corrugations, while the epicardium was covered by a thick, yellowish-white fibrous layer. The ventral epicardium revealed a fibrous tract communicating between the pericardium and epicardium. Extensive fibrin deposition on the heart produced a “bread-and-butter” appearance with adhesions to adjacent tissues. Based on gross necropsy findings, it was concluded that the cow died due to traumatic pericarditis, which precipitated rupture of the fragile liver, culminating in hypovolemic shock.
R Mahaprabhu. Concurrent traumatic pericarditis and liver rupture in a Holstein Friesian crossbred cow: Pathological insights. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husbandry 2025;10(11):82-84. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i11b.2703
