Cardiovascular Diagnostics for the Equine Athlete
An EMC series
Poor performance in the equine athlete can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Suboptimal athletic performance may be caused by issues with cardiovascular fitness or disease. Advanced exercise diagnostics, including wireless heart rate monitors and ECG units, can be used while your horse is performing their normal athletic discipline to evaluate levels of fitness and detect exercise-related cardiovascular abnormalities.
Assessing your horse’s cardiovascular health is an impor- tant part of their annual veterinary exam. If your veterinar- ian has recently discovered a heart murmur or a cardiac arrhythmia, your horse should have an in-depth cardiac evaluation, including ultrasound of the heart (echocardio- gram) and evaluation of the electrical conduction of the heart (ECG). An echocardiogram is useful in determining the cause of a heart murmur and allows objective assess- ment of the overall size and function of the heart. An ECG is necessary to definitively diagnose abnormal heart rhythms, which may be successfully treated.
Dr. Krista Estell erforms n Echocardiogram
Exercise ECG on the lunge line
Cardiovascular conditions can have a long-term impact on your horse’s overall performance and health. Decreased athletic performance and reduced stamina are common signs of cardiovascular disease. Horses with moderate to severe heart disease may even be considered too risky to ride, especially at high speeds or over jumps, because of the risk of sudden cardiac events. Regular assessment should be a priority as symptoms and severity can change over time. Heart disease in the horse may be more common than you may realize. Although many cases represent little or no problem to your horse and are easily managed, it is important to identify those heart conditions that could endanger the horse or the rider.
–Krista Estell, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM, Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Medicine
For further information about cardiovas- cular diagnostics available at the EMC, contact Kathy Ashland at 703-771-6875
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The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (EMC) is a premier, full-service equine health facility offering cutting edge diagnostics and advanced specialty services by appointment as well as 24/7 emergency services.
emc.vetmed.vt.edu • 703-771-6800 • 17690 Old Waterford Road, Leesburg, VA 20176
www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580 JUNE 2018 | THE EQUIERY | 37
911156-180618
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