**3. Haematology and biochemistry**

The most frequent reported haematological finding with TP is reduced clotting time indicated by the glutaraldehyde test in 93% of 28 TP cases which had presented with a heart rate of more than 100 bpm, distended jugular veins and abnormal heart sounds [12]. Other recorded signs include hyperfibrinogenaemia and leucocytosis with neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia [12]. Hyperproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobinaemia have also been consistently found in buffalo TP cases [21].

Haematology and biochemistry results only support findings indicated by clinical examination and provide limited additional information on underlying disease processes. It has been previously stated that biochemistry and haematology results alone were not enough to differentiate between endocarditis, pericarditis and congenital heart defects in cattle and it could be argued that farmers' money would be better spent on the use of other diagnostic techniques [6]. However, it could also be said that haematology and biochemistry results are necessary in order to rule out disease secondary to HF such as liver congestion which is commonly found secondary to HF. Haematology and biochemistry also gives an indication to the severity of the HF and therefore can be used to determine an accurate prognosis.
