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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
Some observations on cardiac failure in sows.
Summary
Cardiac failure is a major cause of sow mortality, often triggered by stressful events like farrowing or heat. Heavier, fatter sows experienced cardiac failure more frequently, with a lower heart weight to body weight ratio.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Cardiac failure is a significant cause of mortality in sows.
- Understanding contributing factors is crucial for herd management and welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with cardiac failure in sows.
- To compare sows that died from cardiac failure versus other causes.
Main Methods:
- Collected data on 116 sows from 24 herds, divided into cardiac failure and other mortality groups.
- Assessed sow records, clinical history, body composition, heart weight, liver selenium, and aqueous humor urea.
- Analyzed environmental factors like temperature and stressful events.
Main Results:
- Stressful events (peripartum, heat, fighting, mating, transport) preceded 84% of cardiac failure cases.
- Cardiac failure cases peaked in July and August.
- Sows with cardiac failure were heavier and fatter, with a lower heart weight to body weight ratio.
- No significant differences in hepatic selenium or aqueous humor urea were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular stress, particularly during the peripartum period and hot weather, is a key factor in sow cardiac failure.
- Body condition (heavier, fatter) is associated with increased risk.
- Further research into the physiological mechanisms linking body condition, stress, and cardiac function is warranted.
