Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Auscultation
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
Auscultation is the art of listening to the body with a stethoscope. The primary organs ausculted in the horse are the heart, lungs and intestine. The stethoscope transmits sound from the head or chest piece, via air-filled hollow tubes, to the listener's ears.
The value in this seemingly simple act is profound, both for horse owners and vets. For horse owners, knowing how to listen to their horse's heart rate, respiratory rate and intestinal sounds is a fundamental skill, and should be performed when a horse is in good health so that a baseline is established.
For vets, auscultation is a fundamental part of assessing the health of a horse, the progression of disease or the efficacy of treatment.
The value in this seemingly simple act is profound, both for horse owners and vets. For horse owners, knowing how to listen to their horse's heart rate, respiratory rate and intestinal sounds is a fundamental skill, and should be performed when a horse is in good health so that a baseline is established.
For vets, auscultation is a fundamental part of assessing the health of a horse, the progression of disease or the efficacy of treatment.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Very Common
Less Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
Very Common
Less Common
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Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, Generally
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Atrial Fibrillation
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Pneumonia, Pleuropneumonia & Pleuritis, Generally
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Pneumothorax & Pneumomediastinum
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Left Dorsal Displacement of Large Colon with Nephro-Splenic Entrapment
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Clostridial, Clostridium Colitis (in Adult)
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Ruptured Aorta, Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm
BENEFITS
A simple, practical and very useful technique for understanding the function and condition of the organs ausculted. LIMITATIONS
The technique is only as good as the clinician. Experience comes from listening to thousands of patients and knowing what is normal. Auscultation gives useful but limited information about the body systems assessed.