Diagnosis:
- On basis of history and clinical findings
- On basis of laboratory findings
- Cytological examination of pericardial fluid
- ECG findings; sinus tachycardia, diminished amplitude of QRS complex,
- Radiography of thoracic region
- Echocardiography; most valuable aid in diagnosis, will show excessive fluid present in pericardial sac
Differential Diagnosis:
- Disease should be differentiated with;
- Pleuritis
- Cardiac valvular disease
- Mediastinal abscess15
- Hydropericardium occurs in congestive
- heart failure, mulberry heart disease of pigs, herztod of pigs, gossypol poisoning,
- Clostridial intoxications of sheep
- Lymphomatosis
Treatment:
- Animals should be kept at rest.
- Broad spectrum antibiotics should be used based on susceptibility of organism cultured from pericardial fluid
- Combination of penicillin and gentamicin is commonly used to treat this condition.
- Pericardiocentesis; copious lavage with warmed 0.9% NaCl solution and drainage should be conducted as possible to relieve pressure form pericardium.
- Corticosteroid therapy or aggressive NSAID therapy is beneficial.
- Salt free diet should be provided.