Atrial Septal Defect in a Newborn Holstein Calf

Abstract

We aimed to present a case of atrial septal defect (ASD) in a newborn Holstein calf in a commercial dairy farm in Tehran, Iran. Despite the incidence of some congenital cardiac disorders such as ventricular septal defect (VSD) in young calves, detection of ASD in Holstein calves has been rarely reported with no distinct picture of the area involved. In the current report, ASD is pictured noticeably which would be an appropriate example for diagnosing it in other cases. Apparently, issues related to cardiac system occur more frequently than expected, however, they are not diagnosed precisely on farm mainly because of inadequate knowledge of such disorders. Young dairy calves are often diagnosed with respiratory distress or fever with weakness and hyperpnea. Severe hyperpnea may be associated with heart defects which can be confused with respiratory diseases and fever in newborn dairy calves. In the current report, the calf was initially diagnosed with respiratory distress. However, further examination of heart beats and sound by palpation of the thorax led to suspect on heart defects. In the physical examination of both sides of the thorax, murmur and trill were clearly diagnosed. The calf died after 48 hours. After necropsy, ASD was identified as the cause of calf death. Calf loss means economic loss. Thus, diagnosing the problem timely can help minimize congenital issues risks and in turn increase calf survival and herd productivity.