Open AccessRecommendations for Management of Equine Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities
Author(s) -
Reef V.B.,
Bonagura J.,
Buhl R.,
McGurrin M.K.J.,
Schwarzwald C.C.,
Loon G.,
Young L.E.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.12340
Subject(s) - medicine , abnormality , athletes , intensive care medicine , life expectancy , disease , pulmonary hypertension , cardiology , physical therapy , psychiatry , population , environmental health
Murmurs and arrhythmias are commonly detected in equine athletes. Assessing the relevance of these cardiovascular abnormalities in the performance horse can be challenging. Determining the impact of a cardiovascular disorder on performance, life expectancy, horse and rider or driver safety relative to the owner's future expectations is paramount. A comprehensive assessment of the cardiovascular abnormality detected is essential to determine its severity and achieve these aims. This consensus statement presents a general approach to the assessment of cardiovascular abnormalities, followed by a discussion of the common murmurs and arrhythmias. The description, diagnosis, evaluation, and prognosis are considered for each cardiovascular abnormality. The recommendations presented herein are based on available literature and a consensus of the panelists. While the majority of horses with cardiovascular abnormalities have a useful performance life, periodic reexaminations are indicated for those with clinically relevant cardiovascular disease. Horses with pulmonary hypertension, CHF , or complex ventricular arrhythmias should not be ridden or driven.