**1. Introduction**

Pericarditis is defined as inflammation of the pericardium resulting in accumulation of fluid or exudate between visceral and parietal pericardium and can be classified as traumatic pericarditis (TP), idiopathic haemorrhagic [1], neoplastic or septic [2, 3]. Haematogenous spread of organisms, such as *Colibacilli* or *Pasturella* species which commonly originate from pleuropneumonia, are most commonly involved. In cattle, [4] the most common classification of pericarditis is TP, resulting from traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP), the ingestion of sharp objects which migrate through the anterior wall of the reticulum, across the diaphragm and penetrate the pericardium, in some cases extending into the myocardium [3, 4]. This can lead to pericarditis; which is defined as inflammation of the pericardium that results in accumulation of fluid or exudate between the visceral and parietal pericardium [2].

TP is one of the most common heart diseases reported in cattle [3]. From 1989 to 1995, TP was one of the top 10 findings following necropsy examination of 321 cattle at the University of Glasgow [5]. Clinical signs of the cardiovascular condition can vary greatly as they depend on the extent of disease progression, location of the foreign object, route of migration [6, 7], and potential for other diseases to present with similar signs [8]. Cases of TP do not commonly present until the later stages of the disease process when subsequent heart failure (HF) is evident [9] (see **Figure 1**). Due to varying clinical signs and late presentation of those signs, diagnosis can be difficult and often requires more than a clinical examination. Commonly used methods include echocardiogram, pericardiocentesis and blood analysis which help to determine the presence and extent of disease [11]. Unfortunately, these diagnostic techniques are frequently not economically viable for clients in farm practice where expenses are usually focussed on herd health as opposed to the health of individual stock.

Bovine cardiac disease often has a poor prognosis, which is worsened when clinical manifestations of HF are present. Euthanasia is the treatment of choice in many cases [11]. However, for pregnant or high value animals, treatment of disease is often the preferred option and an early diagnosis can provide a better prognosis in these cases [11]. With regards to TRP, recognition of pericardial involvement (TP) needs to be recognised as early as possible in the disease process to prevent further suffering of the animal and economic losses for the farmer. Ideally, a cheap and quick method of diagnosing pericarditis in cases of cattle with TRP should be established. In this

### **Figure 1.**

*Flowchart explanation of three potential outcomes of TP, with clarification of how HF can occur as a result of TP. Adapted from [10].*

review, we assess the recent research focusing on concentrations of cardiac biomarkers (specifically cardiac troponin 1 (cTnI)) in the serum of TP cattle and evaluate both the current and future capabilities of such tests. The advantages and limitations of other diagnostic techniques are also explored, with reference to survival rates of TP affected cattle.
