Valvular Endocarditis in a 10‐month‐old Ewe Lamb: the Diagnostic Benefits of On‐farm Ultrasound Examination

Valvular endocarditis was diagnosed during a routine flock screen for ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) in a 10-month-old ewe lamb with a 2-month history of weight loss. Ultrasound examination demonstrated right caudoventral pleuritis presenting as hyperechoic thickening of the pleura and irregular hyperechoic lesions measuring approximately 12-15 mm, replacing the normal tricuspid and mitral valves. The sheep was euthanased for welfare reasons, with ultrasound findings confirmed on postmortem examination. Considering the poor prognosis and welfare concerns associated with the condition, this case report demonstrates the practicality of ultrasound to diagnose valvular endocarditis on-farm and facilitate prompt euthanasia.