[Case report: Ectopia cordis in a German Holstein calf]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Congenital Malformations
• Cardiovascular Anatomy

Background:

• Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital anomaly where the heart is abnormally positioned outside the chest cavity.
• Pectoral ectopia cordis specifically involves displacement through the sternum.
• Understanding the etiology and associated pathologies is crucial for veterinary diagnostics.

Observation:

• A case of ectopia cordis pectoralis was identified in a German Holstein calf.
• The heart and pericardium were found protruding through a sternal fissure.
• Associated findings included liver deformation and passive hyperaemia in multiple organs.

Findings:

• The calf exhibited a sternal fissure allowing external displacement of the heart and pericardium.
• No intrinsic cardiac defects were observed, with the heart connected via its great vessels.
• The calf, though well-developed, experienced stillbirth with unventilated lungs.

Implications:

• The inbreeding coefficient of 3.125% suggests a potential genetic predisposition or contribution to the malformation.
• The sternal fissure is identified as the probable cause of the ectopia cordis.
• This case highlights the importance of considering genetic factors and developmental anomalies in bovine congenital defects.