Heart problems
Although heart disease is rare, heart murmurs and arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm) are commonly detected in horses, and their significance must be determined. In many cases a thorough examination of the cardiovascular system is all that is required to assess the relevance of an abnormal finding, but sometimes more advanced diagnostic procedures such as electrocardiography (ECG) or echocardiography may be necessary.
An echocardiograph showing ventricular septal defect
©Dr Lesley Young