Journal of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences Qassim University, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 45-59 (January 2011/Moharram 1432H) 45 Traumatic Pericarditis in Cattle: Sonographic, Echocardiographic and Pathologic Findings M. Tharwat Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt. Present address: Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. (Received 12/10/2010; accepted for publication 15/12/2010) Abstract. This study was carried out to demonstrate the value of sonography, echocardiography and postmortem in the diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis (TP) in cows. Owner complaint was anorexia, recurrent tympany, presternal and ventral edema, and diarrhea. Laboratory findings were a neutrophilia, elevated total protein concentration and hypergammaglobulinemia. Ultrasonographic findings were moderate to severe corrugation of the reticular wall with reduced reticular contractions. Deposits of fibrin interspersed with fluid pockets were frequently seen between reticulum, dorsal ruminal sac and diaphragm. Pericardial effusions were imaged as mild or massive anechoic accumulations, containing fibrin threads or homogenous. Abdominal ultrasonography showed perireticular and splenic abscessation, echogenic deposits between reticulum, and spleen. Thoracic ultrasonographic findings showed mediastinal abscessation. Lesions had a well-developed capsule, which appeared as an echogenic line that demarcated the contents of the abscess from the heart or the lung. Diagnosis was confirmed by centesis and aspiration of pus from the lesion. Electrocardiographic recordings showed decreased amplitude and irregular QRS and T waves. At postmortem examination, fibrinous adhesions were seen between reticulum and diaphragm, reticulum and spleen or between rumen and left abdominal wall. Pus and fibrin were detected in the pericardium. Other postmortem findings included splenic abscessation and pleural effusions where the foreign body was seen. Echocardiography can be of tremendous help in the diagnosis of cattle with TP. Keywords: cattle, echocardiography, pathology, traumatic pericarditis, ultrasonography