Equine Cardiac Abnormalities

40 flashcards based on the management of equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities, covering key terms and concepts from the notes.

What is the key recommendation for managing equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities?

Utilize the consensus statement: Recommendations for Management of Equine Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities (2014).

What does PMI stand for in auscultation findings?

Point of Maximum Intensity.

What is a physiological murmur?

A benign murmur often found in healthy horses, typically early-to-midsystolic.

What is the significance of a Grade 1-3/6 systolic murmur?

It can indicate a physiological murmur with no clinical concern if diagnosed correctly.

What is the prognosis for Mitral Regurgitation if diagnosed early?

Good when caught early.

What is the concern if Mitral Regurgitation is caught late?

Poor prognosis if it has become severe.

What does a Ventricular Septal Defect suggest if it is less than 2.5cm in size in an adult horse?

Usually normal performance and normal life expectancy.

What is the expected progression of aortic regurgitation without intervention?

Often progressive and may require closer monitoring.

What type of murmur is characterized as musical or squeaking during auscultation?

Aortic Regurgitation.

What significant detail should be monitored with horses showing signs of heart disease?

Heart rate and rhythm changes.

What is the typical murmur grade associated with a Right Systolic Ventricular Septal Defect?

Grade 4-6/6.

What echo finding is associated with a poor prognosis in Right Systolic Ventricular Septal Defect?

RS cardiomegaly, pulmonary hypertension, or atrial fibrillation.

What can lead to acute heart failure or sudden death in equine athletes?

Right Systolic Ventricular Septal Defect (perimembranous).

What characteristic murmur is associated with Continuous Aorto-Cardiac Fistula?

Harsh Machinery.

What does a band shaped or crescendo pattern indicate in a systolic murmur?

Possible mitral regurgitation.

In cases of Aorto-Pulmonary Fistula, what murmur types can be expected?

Holosystolic and early-to-mid diastolic.

What clinical term describes severe changes such as flail cusp or high-velocity regurgitation jet?

Marked changes indicating poor prognosis.

Which echocardiographic finding is considered poor if it measures greater than 2.5cm?

Indicates significant performance issues and possible heart failure.

What is one major risk when managing equine patients with advanced heart disease?

General anesthesia (GA) is high risk.

What is a common finding on auscultation in older horses?

Physiological murmurs due to age-related changes.

What should be done when a horse has a systolic murmur that changes in intensity with exercise?

Monitor heart rate and any rhythm changes.

What can contribute to the severity of tricuspid regurgitation in equine athletes?

Age and level of training.

What is a recommendation for the management of significant heart murmurs?

Echocardiography should be performed for further investigation.

How can a horse’s performance be impacted by conditions like heart defects?

Defects greater than 2.5cm often lead to performance problems and potential heart failure.

What is the prognosis associated with Aortic Regurgitation if advanced changes are present?

Very poor prognosis if causing heart failure or arrhythmia during exercise.

Define Holosystolic murmur.

A murmur that lasts throughout the entire systole phase.

What does it mean if a murmur is described as crescendo-decrescendo?

It increases in intensity and then decreases, often indicating physiological conditions.

What could be indicated by a soft blowing murmur radiating to the right?

Common indication of physiological murmurs.

If a horse presents with a diastolic murmur, what could be a potential cause?

Aortic Regurgitation.

What should always be performed if mitral regurgitation is suspected?

Echocardiography for assessment.

What characteristic is essential for evaluating performance in horses with heart defects?

Monitoring for changes in heart rate and rhythm.

What type of murmur is typically noted in tricuspid regurgitation?

Holo or pansystolic.

What should be done if a horse exhibits signs of chronic poor performance?

Investigate for underlying cardiac abnormalities.

Explain the potential outcomes if a ventricular septal defect is identified early.

Good prognosis and typically can manage performance appropriately.

Which type of murmur is generally benign and common in young horses?

Physiological murmurs.

What does a murmur described as 'harsh' typically indicate?

Potentially serious conditions like a Continuous Aorto-Cardiac Fistula.

What aspect of heart disease in horses is difficult to measure but critical for prognosis?

Severity and impact on performance.

What is one indication for echocardiography in performance-limiting murmurs?

To evaluate size and severity of abnormalities.