Blood-Like Pericardial Fluid with Unilateral Pleural Effusion in a Dairy Cow

Abstract

A Holstein cow (two years and five months old) with jugular vein distension and non-inflammatory edema in the brisket showed decreased heart sound and abnormal waves on an electrocardiogram. Dilated cardiomyopathy was suspected. Unilateral pleural effusion was recovered from the right pleural cavity and found to be degenerated transudations. An ultrasonic cardiogram detected pericardial fluid. A pathological examination revealed that the pericardial cavity was enlarged with a diameter of 60cm. Blood-like fluid was recovered with no cells of inflammation or neoplasia. Although the cause of bloody pericardial fluid remains unknown， unilateral pleural and pericardial effusion can result from physical trauma to the thoracic cavity. Findings suggest hemorrhaging into the pericardial cavity should be listed in the differential diagnosis as a cause of pericardial effusion.