Congenital cardiac defects in calves

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Congenital Abnormalities
• Animal Health

Background:

• Congenital cardiac defects represent a significant health concern in livestock.
• Understanding the prevalence and types of these defects is crucial for veterinary diagnostics and management.
• Previous studies have documented various cardiac anomalies, but a comprehensive long-term analysis in calves is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the types and frequency of congenital cardiac defects observed in a cohort of calves over a 14-year period.
• To provide a detailed epidemiological overview of cardiac anomalies in young cattle.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of necropsy records from calves diagnosed with cardiac defects over 14 years.
• Categorization and quantification of 78 distinct congenital cardiac defects identified in 36 affected calves.

Main Results:

• A total of 78 congenital cardiac defects were identified in 36 calves.
• The most prevalent defects included interventricular septal defects (n=11), left ventricular hypoplasia (n=10), and right ventricular hypoplasia (n=10).
• Other significant findings included ectopia cordis cervicalis (n=10), dextraposed aorta (n=8), and valvular hematomas (n=7).
• Septal defects were consistently high in location and ranged from 5 to 35 mm in diameter.
• One calf with a septal defect also presented with bilateral microphthalmia.

Conclusions:

• Congenital cardiac defects are diverse in calves, with septal defects and ventricular hypoplasia being particularly common.
• The findings underscore the importance of recognizing a wide spectrum of cardiac anomalies in veterinary practice.
• Associated anomalies, such as microphthalmia, may occur alongside cardiac defects.