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Journal of veterinary internal medicine2014; 28(3); 749-761; doi: 10.1111/jvim.12340

Recommendations for management of equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities.

Abstract: Murmurs and arrhythmias are commonly detected in equine athletes. Assessing the relevance of these cardiovascular abnormalities in the performance horse can be challenging. Determining the impact of a cardiovascular disorder on performance, life expectancy, horse and rider or driver safety relative to the owner's future expectations is paramount. A comprehensive assessment of the cardiovascular abnormality detected is essential to determine its severity and achieve these aims. This consensus statement presents a general approach to the assessment of cardiovascular abnormalities, followed by a discussion of the common murmurs and arrhythmias. The description, diagnosis, evaluation, and prognosis are considered for each cardiovascular abnormality. The recommendations presented herein are based on available literature and a consensus of the panelists. While the majority of horses with cardiovascular abnormalities have a useful performance life, periodic reexaminations are indicated for those with clinically relevant cardiovascular disease. Horses with pulmonary hypertension, CHF, or complex ventricular arrhythmias should not be ridden or driven.
Copyright © 2014 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2014-03-14 PubMed ID: 24628586PubMed Central: PMC4895474DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12340Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the challenges and approaches in managing sport horses with cardiovascular issues such as murmurs and arrhythmias, stressing on the criticality of comprehensive assessments and regular reexaminations for horses with clinically relevant cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Equine Athletes

In this study, the authors are discussing the common occurrence of heart murmur and arrhythmias (disruptions to the regular heart rhythm) in sport horses.

  • Cardiovascular abnormalities can significantly impact a horse’s performance, its life expectancy and the safety of the horse and its rider.
  • It can be challenging to determine the significance of these abnormalities for the performance horse, but it is an essential task in order to assess the potential risks and inform management strategies.

Comprehensive Assessment Methodology

The authors stress the importance of a thorough assessment of any cardiovascular abnormality. This includes:

  • Understanding the severity of the abnormality, which is crucial to make accurate predictions about the horse’s performance capability and lifespan and ensure the safety of the horse and rider.
  • Presenting a general approach for assessment, which comprises a detailed diagnosis, evaluation, and prognosis for each cardiovascular abnormality.
  • These recommendations are based on existing literature and consensus among the panelists of this study.

Prognosis and Management Recommendations

According to the study, it is important to note that:

  • Not all horses with cardiovascular abnormalities become useless in performances and many can continue to have a useful performance life.
  • However, horses having clinically relevant cardiovascular diseases require periodic reexaminations to monitor their health status and adapt management strategies as necessary.
  • Horses diagnosed with severe diseases like pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure (CHF), or complex ventricular arrhythmias are at high risk and the study advises against riding or driving them.

Cite This Article

APA
Reef VB, Bonagura J, Buhl R, McGurrin MK, Schwarzwald CC, van Loon G, Young LE. (2014). Recommendations for management of equine athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities. J Vet Intern Med, 28(3), 749-761. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12340

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 3
Pages: 749-761

Researcher Affiliations

Reef, V B
  • Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA.
Bonagura, J
    Buhl, R
      McGurrin, M K J
        Schwarzwald, C C
          van Loon, G
            Young, L E

              MeSH Terms

              • Animals
              • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / veterinary
              • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / veterinary
              • Atrial Fibrillation / veterinary
              • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / therapy
              • Cardiovascular Abnormalities / veterinary
              • Heart Murmurs / veterinary
              • Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / veterinary
              • Horse Diseases / therapy
              • Horses / abnormalities
              • Mitral Valve Insufficiency / veterinary
              • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / veterinary

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