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

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).