Veterinary Clinical Medicine-I (General and Systemic)

Percusion field of liver

LIVER

• The normal liver percussion field is the dorsal region of the last intercostals spaces, adjoining the caudal edge of the lung percussion field.
• In adult cattle it is usually distinguishable from the full lung sound and sub-tympanic sound of the dorsal intestinal region, as an area of complete dullness, 3-4 fingers wide and the length of the palm of the hand.
• It may be displaced forward by 1- 3 finger width by advanced pregnancy and abdominal swellings, and the same distance backwards by pulmonary emphysema.
• Enlargement of liver percussion field to five fingers width is pathological, if this area is also sensitive to pain.