Comparative examination of percussional and echocardiographic determination of the cardiac dullness area in healthy horses.

This research attempts to validate the method of percussion in determining the area of cardiac dullness in healthy horses. Using both percussion and echocardiographic measures, the aim was to verify whether accurately and expertly performed percussion could deliver precise results. Examinations were conducted on 31 healthy warm-blooded horses.

Methodology

• The study involved percussive examination followed by echocardiographic imaging of the heart area on 31 healthy horses.
• The measurement points were determined using the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces (ICS) on the left side of the horse, and the 4th ICS on the right side.
• On both the left and right sides, the researchers established the dorsal and ventral borders of the cardiac dullness area, first in the 4th ICS then in the 5th ICS on the left side.
• The distance between these points and the ventral border of the thorax, as well as the distance between the 2nd and 4th points, were then measured.
• The process was repeated on the right side using just the 4th intercostal space.

Results

• The mean values and standard errors (in centimeters) of the absolute differences between percussional and echocardiographic measurements were small, suggesting a strong correspondence between the two methods.
• On the left side, the 4th ICS dorsal and ventral borders differed by 0.8/0.1 and 0.7/0.1 centimeters respectively, while the 5th ICS dorsal and ventral borders’ measurements differed by 0.8/0.1 and 0.9/0.2 centimeters respectively.
• On the right side, again using the 4th ICS, the dorsal and ventral border measurements differed by 0.8/0.2 and 0.7/0.1 centimeters respectively.

Conclusion

• The results indicate a significant correlation between percussional and echocardiographic measurements.
• Given these findings, the study suggests that cardiac percussion should be considered an integrated part of a horse’s physical examination due to its accuracy when performed correctly.