Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Cardiac (Heart) Valvular Disease
Synonyms: Aortic Insufficiency, Mitral Valve Insufficiency
Summary
Disease of the heart valves is very common in older horses and is usually detected as a heart murmur by a veterinarian. In most cases, leaky valves do not cause significant heart disease. Depending upon the specific diagnosis this condition may or may not worsen.
However, in severe cases congestive heart failure may result from backflow into the heart and overload of its function. The most common valves affected are the left atrio-ventricular valve (Mitral valve) and the aortic valves.
Diagnosis is primarily through echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart). In many cases, a veterinary cardiologist (board certified) can give the most complete diagnostic and prognostic information on heart conditions.
Treatment is usually not practical, although heart drugs may lessen the effects of heart failure in severe cases.
However, in severe cases congestive heart failure may result from backflow into the heart and overload of its function. The most common valves affected are the left atrio-ventricular valve (Mitral valve) and the aortic valves.
Diagnosis is primarily through echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart). In many cases, a veterinary cardiologist (board certified) can give the most complete diagnostic and prognostic information on heart conditions.
Treatment is usually not practical, although heart drugs may lessen the effects of heart failure in severe cases.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Fair to good for most conditions. However, you may talk to your vet about changing your expectations, as it may be unsafe to ride the horse.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
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Poor Appearing, Ill Thrift, Generally
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Pulse or Heart Beat Irregular, Arrhythmia
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Capillary Refill Time (CRT) Prolonged
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Lacks Stamina, Tires Quickly or Easily
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Neck Swelling
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Swelling of Multiple Lower Limbs or Legs
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Heart Rate, Pulse Rapid, Greater than 48 BPM at Rest (in Adult)
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Pale
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Dark
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Abdominal Pain, Colic Signs
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Will this condition worsen?
- Is my horse safe to ride?
- What is the specific condition that my horse has?
- How did my horse acquire this condition?
- Will my horse progeny have this same problem?
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
