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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

[[Image:Pericarditis-histo.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

[[Image:Pericarditis-histo.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

[[Image:traumatic reticulitis.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Traumatic pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

[[Image:traumatic reticulitis.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Traumatic pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

[[Image:Traumatic pericarditis 4.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Traumatic pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

[[Image:Traumatic pericarditis 4.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>'''Traumatic pericarditis'''. Courtesy of A. Jefferies</center></small>]]

 

Purulent pericarditis indicates the presence of pyogenic organisms e.g. [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|''Staphylococcal'' species]]. It is most commonly seen in cattle as a result of traumatic penetration of the pericardial sac with a sharp metallic object or ''wire''.  This is [[Traumatic_Reticulitis|traumatic reticulo-peritonitis]] causing [[Traumatic Pericarditis|traumatic pericarditis]]. It is most commonly due to the indiscriminate feeding of cattle. Objects become lodged in the rumen and are then forced by ruminal contractions into the reticulum and cranially into the diaphragm and pericardium. They may also penetrate the liver. Large amount of purulent material, up to 4 litres, can accumulate in the pericardium, causing severe constriction of the ventricles.  

 

Purulent pericarditis indicates the presence of pyogenic organisms e.g. [[:Category:Staphylococcus species|''Staphylococcal'' species]]. It is most commonly seen in cattle as a result of traumatic penetration of the pericardial sac with a sharp metallic object or ''wire''.  This is [[Traumatic_Reticulitis|Traumatic reticulo-peritonitis]] causing [[Traumatic Pericarditis]]. It is most commonly due to the indiscriminate feeding of cattle. Objects become lodged in the rumen and are then forced by ruminal contractions into the reticulum and cranially into the diaphragm and pericardium. They may also penetrate the liver. Large amount of purulent material, up to 4 litres, can accumulate in the pericardium, causing severe constriction of the ventricles.  

Death usually occurs before organisation of the exudate forming a constrictive pericarditis. Toxaemia becomes apparent in the early stages of the condition.

Death usually occurs before organisation of the exudate forming a constrictive pericarditis. Toxaemia becomes apparent in the early stages of the condition.

== Treatment and Control ==

== Treatment and Control ==

Drainage of the pericardium can be attempted and systemic [[antibiotics]] can be administered for cases of suppurative disease. Where economically viable, the wire can be removed from the cow by ruminal surgery, where the veterinarian will perform a rumenotomy and then reach into the reticulum and manually remove the wire.

Drainage of the pericardium can be attempted and systemic [[antibiotics]] can be administered for cases of suppurative disease. Where economically viable, the wire can be removed from the cow by ruminal surgery, where the veterinarian will perform a rumenotomy and then reach into the reticulum and manually remove the wire. Rib resection pericardiotomy with or without continued open drainage has been attempted in cases which have developed pericarditis secondary to traumatic reticulitis. This involves removal of a portion of the 5th rib in a standing or anaesthetised animal, allowing evacuation and irrigation of the pericardium, but the success rate is only raised to 10%.

Most farmers will tend to prefer the option of slaughtering the animal on welfare grounds.

Most farmers will tend to prefer the option of slaughtering the animal on welfare grounds.

The condition can resolve without any further clinical significance. As described above, death is a common outcome in the suppurative form of the disease. Adhesions may occur, due to organisation of fibrin, leading to a 'bread and butter' appearance. As the condition worsens, if not treated, gradual constriction may end up causing [[Cardiac Tamponade|cardiac tamponade]].

The condition can resolve without any further clinical significance. As described above, death is a common outcome in the suppurative form of the disease. Adhesions may occur, due to organisation of fibrin, leading to a 'bread and butter' appearance. As the condition worsens, if not treated, gradual constriction may end up causing [[Cardiac Tamponade|cardiac tamponade]].

==Test yourself with the Pericardial Pathology Flashcards==

|flashcards = [[Pericardial Pathology Flashcards]]

[[Category:Pericardial_Pathology]]

[[Category:Pericardial_Pathology]]

[[Category:Cardiovascular Diseases - Cattle]]

[[Category:Cardiovascular Diseases - Cattle]]

[[Category:Cardiovascular System - Inflammatory Pathology]]

[[Category:Cardiovascular System - Inflammatory Pathology]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]