[Reference values for echocardiographic parameters of trained and untrained Icelandic horses].
Abstract: The aim of this study was to establish echocardiographic reference values for healthy Icelandic horses. For this purpose cardiologic examinations were performed on 44 healthy trained and untrained Icelandic horses without known cardiologic or pulmonary disease. The atrial diameter of the trained horses were significantly greater than in the untrained horses and the left ventricular free wall diameter was also higher in the trained than in the untrained horses. These findings confirm that the changes of the heart caused by training which have previously been described by other authors in warmbloods, thoroughbreds, dogs and humans are present in Icelandic horses as well. However, in contrast to the findings in race horses, no enlargement of the left ventricle was found in trained Icelandic horses, which may indicate that training conditions of Icelandic horses are not comparable to those of race- or jumping-horses in high level training. The reference values established in this study will serve as basis for the current interpretation of the results of echocardiographic examinations in Icelandic horses. This should enable cardiologists to perform a more detailed and precise examination similar to cardiological examinations in warmbloods and race horses.
Publication Date: 2007-11-01 PubMed ID: 17970335
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research highlights the establishment of reference values for certain heart parameters in healthy Icelandic horses using echocardiography, with an emphasis on differences between trained and untrained horses. Contrasts and similarities with findings in other breeds of horses, dogs, and humans were also noted.
Overview of the Study
- The study focused on cardiac examinations carried out on 44 healthy Icelandic horses, which were further classified into trained and untrained categories.
- The examination procedure used to gather data was echocardiography, a methodology effectively used in understanding the structural aspects of a heart.
- The primary objective was to determine reference values for cardiovascular parameters in these horses and see how training impacts these parameters.
Findings from the Study
- Key findings revealed notable differences between trained and untrained Icelandic horses. The atrial diameter was significantly greater in the trained horses, and the left ventricular free wall diameter was also larger in these animals.
- These outcomes corroborated previous findings in warmbloods, thoroughbreds, dogs, and humans which outlined that the heart undergoes significant changes due to training.
- However, unlike other horse breeds specifically racehorses, the study found no notable enlargement in the left ventricle in trained Icelandic horses. The researchers suggested that this could be due to the incomparability of training conditions between Icelandic horses and high-level training race or jumping horses.
Implications and Application of the Study
- The cardiac reference values defined in this study are intended to aid current and future interpretations of echocardiographic results in Icelandic horses.
- This study enhances the potential for more precise and detailed cardiology examinations akin to those conducted for other horse breeds like warmbloods and racehorses.
- By uncovering the influence of training on heart parameters, the research insights could inform training and conditioning programs for better horse health management.
Cite This Article
APA
Gehlen H, Haubold A, Stadler P.
(2007).
[Reference values for echocardiographic parameters of trained and untrained Icelandic horses].
Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 114(10), 374-377.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Pferde. heidrun.gehlen@tiho-hannover.de
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic
- Echocardiography / methods
- Echocardiography / standards
- Echocardiography / veterinary
- Electrocardiography / veterinary
- Female
- Germany
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Reference Values
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Vernemmen I, Vera L, Van Steenkiste G, van Loon G, Decloedt A. Reference values for 2-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography in Friesian and Warmblood horses. J Vet Intern Med 2020 Nov;34(6):2701-2709.
- Trachsel DS, Giraudet A, Maso D, Hervé G, Hauri DD, Barrey E, Robert C. Relationships between body dimensions, body weight, age, gender, breed and echocardiographic dimensions in young endurance horses. BMC Vet Res 2016 Oct 10;12(1):226.
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