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Ventricular septal defects in the horse.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 1, 1983
Summary
This study investigated ventricular septal defects in horses, finding that cardiac catheterization and echocardiography are crucial for diagnosis. Pressure measurements are vital for identifying associated cardiac defects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Cardiology
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are congenital heart abnormalities.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management in horses.
Observation:
- Data from 6 horses with VSDs included clinical, echocardiographic, and cardiac catheterization findings.
- Necropsy confirmed VSDs in 5 horses.
- Echocardiography showed normal or enlarged cardiac dimensions.
Findings:
- A step-up in partial oxygen pressure between the right atrium and right ventricle indicated a left-to-right shunt in 3 of 4 catheterized horses.
- Angiocardiography identified a small VSD without a significant oxygen pressure difference in one foal.
- Comparison with literature highlighted the diagnostic value of pressure data.
Implications:
- Echocardiography and cardiac catheterization are valuable diagnostic tools for equine VSDs.
- Pressure measurements during catheterization are critical for detecting concurrent cardiac anomalies.
- This research aids in understanding and managing VSDs in horses.