Lesions of right heart failure and ascites in broiler chickens

A naturally occurring cardiomyopathy in broiler chickens from a single Ontario farm was studied in order to define the morphologic changes. Gross and histologic features of affected birds were compared with those in age-matched control penmates. Body weight and weight and volume of individual cardiac chambers were measured. Histologic sections of 18 different tissues were examined, and lesions observed were scored subjectively. Affected birds were stunted and had marked right ventricular dilation and hypertrophy, atrial hypertrophy, ascites, pulmonary congestion and edema, and hepatic capsular fibrosis. Microscopic changes in the heart of affected birds were mild and did not suggest a specific cause of heart failure. Lungs had marked hypertrophy of parabronchial smooth muscle and collapse and apparent loss of associated air capillaries. Other histologic changes observed were thought to be the result of passive congestion of viscera caused by right heart failure and chronic debility. Although the specific etiology of this condition could not be determined, it was felt that this syndrome was unlikely to have been the result of any of the commonly recognized causes of congestive heart failure and ascites in broilers.