Ectopia Cordis Cervicalis and Its Surgical Treatment in A Holstein Calf

Abstract

Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by partial or complete displacement of the heart, outside the thoracic cavity. Ectopia cordis is usually associated with other multiple anomalies and intra-cardiac defects due to developmental problems in the ventral body wall. In this report, a 6 day-old, 55 kg male Holstein calf with a case of ectopia cordis cervicalis and its surgical treatment has been presented. Following examinations (clinical, haematological, ECG, x-ray, USG and CT) a single staged surgery was performed to correct localisation of the heart in the thoracic cavity. The case was followed up 10 days postoperatively. However, the calf died at the end of post-operative day 10 due to septic shock.