The occurrence of congenital heart defects in an inbred herd of pigs in Australia

Australian Veterinary Journal
P K HolyoakeW J Hawthorne

Abstract

To report on the first case of congenital heart defects in pigs in Australia. Retrospective analysis of case records from an inbred herd of "Westran" pigs at the University of Sydney, between January 2001 and December 2004. Detailed gross and histological examination of 15 hearts from pigs that had died or were euthanased in 2004. The necropsy records from a population of 471 pigs that had died (106 pigs) or were euthanased for research purposes (365 pigs) were analysed and the incidence of heart defects recorded, together with basic demographic data. No attempts were made to diagnose the condition in live pigs. Congenital heart defects were diagnosed in 6.4% of pigs but this is likely to be an underestimate of the incidence of the deformity. Eighteen pigs died on the farm as a result of the defect, and 12 pigs were diagnosed with the defect as an incidental finding. The most common abnormality seen at necropsy was a sac-like dilatation on the right lateral surface of the right atrium. This was associated with secondary deformity and hypoplasia of the adjacent left ventricle, interventricular region and part of the right ventricle. All hearts showed atrial septal defects of varying size. This is the first reported case of conge...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 15, 2015·Theriogenology·M SchmidtH Callesen

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Birth Defects

Birth defects encompass structural and functional alterations that occur during embryonic or fetal development and are present since birth. The cause may be genetic, environmental or unknown and can result in physical and/or mental impairment. Here is the latest research on birth defects.