Equine echocardiography--sound advice at the heart of the matter

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Cardiology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Echocardiography is a crucial diagnostic tool in equine medicine.
• Understanding its different modes (B mode, M mode, Doppler) is essential for comprehensive cardiac assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles and techniques of B mode, M mode, and Doppler echocardiography in horses.
• To discuss the application of echocardiography in diagnosing equine cardiac diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of established echocardiographic principles and imaging techniques.
• Discussion of normal and abnormal findings in equine cardiac structures.
• Inclusion of recent advancements in assessing ventricular function.

Main Results:

• B mode imaging visualizes cardiac chambers, valves, myocardium, and pericardium.
• M mode provides precise measurements and timing of cardiac events.
• Doppler echocardiography assesses intracardiac blood flow and velocity.

Conclusions:

• Echocardiography is versatile for equine clinicians and physiologists.
• It aids in diagnosing valvular, congenital, myocardial, and pericardial diseases.
• Recent developments enhance the assessment of equine ventricular function.