30
Echinococcosis in Bovines
distended with undigested food-stuff, and the liver which contained numerous echinococcus
cysts. The lungs also contained hydatids. The pericardium over the left ventricle was
distended but was not adherent to the myocardium. The left ventricular wall was
distended and a simple fertile echinococcus cysts, about the size of a tennis ball, was
embedded in it. The auricles and the ventricles were practically empty.
The cause of sudden death in this animal was cessation of cardiac function, evidently
resulting from the increased pressure caused by the distended rumen on the echinococcos-
ed heart [Maqsood, 1944].
2. An aged black spotted cow was being treated for metritis in the College
Hospital, and on 7 February 1914, she looked practically normal. The following day
the owner reported that during the night the cow suddenly fell down and died. On
post-mortem examination, a few calcified and a number of sterile hydatids were seen in
the liver and two in the spleen. Hydatids were also seen in the lungs. Both auricles
and ventricles were practically empty and an egg-sized fertile E. polymorphus cyst was
present in the ventricular septum near the apex of the heart (Plate V, fig. 1). The mucous
membrane of the uterus was thickened and the horns slightly congested.
3. An aged black buffalo-cow was brought to the College Hospital, for anti-
rinderpest inoculation on 16 February 1944 The buffalo was tethered with other
cases but within a short time, she shivered, fell down and died. On post-mortem
examination, the carcase appeared in good bodily condition. Miscroscopic examination
of the blood films was negative for any pathogenic bacteria or protozoa. Numerous sterile
and a few calcified hydatids were seen in the liver, lungs, and spleen. A ruptured
hydatid about the size of a walnut was seen in the internal surface of the left ventricular
wall, at about its middle.
4. A six year old Dhani bullock was being used in the cart. As narrated by the
cart driver, on 27 February 1945, the bullock exerted much more than normal and while
doing so it shivered, staggered, fell down and died at the spot. On post-mortem
examination, the blood was negative for any pathogenic bacteria or protozoa. Numerous
echinococcus cysts were seen in the liver, lungs, spleen and three (one fertile and two
degenerated) in the right kidney. A fertile E. polymorphus cyst about the size of a hen's
egg was seen in the left ventricular wall just below the auricule ventricular junction.
Both auricles and ventricles were empty. As the bullock over-exerted, its heart, which
was already diseased, ultimately ceased functioning and death occurred from heart
failure.
5. An emaciated aged black buffalo-cow suddenly died in the College Hospital on
7 March 1945. Previously, the animal had been feeding and ruminating well. On
post-mortem examination, hydatids were seen in the liver, lungs and spleen and one in
the right kidney. In the internal surface of the right ventricular wall a ruptured hydatid
about one inch in diameter was seen in its upper third.
HEPATIC
AND
PULMONARY
ECHINOCOCCOSIS
Echinococcus costs, mostly sterile, are commonly seen in the liver and lungs of bovines
and these organs are enlarged in proportion to the number and size of cysts. At any
stage of development, dath of the hydatid with subsequent inspissation, caseation,
calcification or rarely suppuration of its contents may occur. In an old-standing cyst, its
walls may be thickened due to the deposition of calcium salts, etc. the liquid contents
diminish and its walls approximate. Finally, the vesicle disappears and the hydatid is
transformed into a calcareous mass, a stage generally seen in the liver of ruminants. A
few hydatids may not give rise to clinical symptoms. However, at times, it was observed
that the liver and lung tissues were practically replaced by the cysts and the animals
suffered from chronic digestive and respiratory disturbances during life. In two buffaloes
and three cows, death occurred suddenly and on post-mortem examination large numbers
of hydatids were present in the lungs, liver and spleen. In another cow, death occurred
from septic peritonitis caused by rupture of a suppurating cyst situated superficially in