Survey of Cardiovascular Lesions in Cattle at Ilorin Abattoir, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Cardiovascular diseases in cattle represent an underappreciated source of production losses at abattoirs in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone, often leading to partial or total condemnation and reduced meat quality. This descriptive survey examined gross and histopathological cardiovascular lesions in cattle slaughtered at Ilorin Central Abattoir, Kwara State, from April to September 2023. Post-mortem examination was conducted on 300 cattle, with cardiac specimens from animals exhibiting macroscopic cardiovascular abnormalities sampled for histopathological evaluation. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was employed for tissue sections. Cardiovascular lesions were identified in 12.3 percent of examined cattle. The most prevalent findings included pericarditis (37.8%), myocardial scarring (27.0%), endocarditis (21.6%), and dilated cardiomyopathy (13.5%). Gross pericarditis lesions included fibrinous exudates adhering to epicardial and pericardial surfaces, with underlying myocardial congestion. Microscopically, myocarditis was characterised by cardiomyocyte degeneration and necrosis with interstitial lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Vegetative endocarditis on the left atrioventricular valve showed bacterial colonies within a fibrinous thrombus with underlying ulceration. These findings are consistent with recent reports on bovine cardiovascular pathology in West Africa. Strengthening veterinary inspection competency in cardiovascular assessment and improving slaughter stress management are priority interventions. Keywords: cardiovascular lesions, cattle, pericarditis, myocarditis, Ilorin