Streptococcal fibrinous pericarditis and peritonitis in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.

Abstract

An 8-month-old female Vietnamese pot-bellied pig was examined because of a 48-hour history of anorexia and signs of depression. Hypothermia, dehydration, pronounced respiratory effort, and muffled heart sounds were detected. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed ascites and hepatic congestion. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion and fibrinous pericarditis. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was diagnostic and therapeutic. Cytologic examination of pericardial and peritoneal fluid revealed degenerated neutrophils and intra-and extracellular gram-positive cocci. On microbial culture of pericardial and peritoneal fluid specimens, moderate growth of a beta-hemolytic Streptococcus sp of group G was observed. After initial treatment corrected hypothermia and dehydration, the pig was treated with sulfadiazine/sulfamerazine/sulfamethazine and oxytetracycline for 30 days. Echocardiographic examination 3 months after the initial examination revealed resolution of the pericardial effusion and fibrinous pericarditis.