Page 720 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Examination of a horse with suspected heart disease

The vet will need to know the following details.
VetBooks.ir • The horse’s age – congenital defects may cause symptoms in young foals or when the

horse first starts work.

• How long the horse has been known and its use or intended use.

• Whether the horse has shown any signs of possible heart disease and when they first
started.

• Its general health and any previous medical problems including viral and bacterial
infections.

THE CLINICAL EXAMINATION

This will include the following.

• Examination of the horse or pony while undisturbed at rest to assess its condition, stance
and demeanour. The respiratory rate should be noted.

• Checking for any oedema or swelling of the head or along the lower part of the abdomen.

• Taking the heart rate.
• Examination of the mucous membranes. This is easily done by gently lifting the upper lip

of the horse or pony (Figure 16.2). Normal mucous membranes are a healthy salmon pink
colour. If the animal is anaemic, the membranes may be unnaturally pale and in severe

heart disease they may have a bluish tinge. However, this is not a very sensitive or
reliable test.

• Measurement of the capillary refill time. This is the time taken for the colour to return if
the mucous membrane is pressed firmly for a couple of seconds. In a healthy animal it

should return to normal within three seconds.
• The pulse rate and character will be assessed. The easiest place to feel this is where the

facial artery crosses the lower part of the jaw. It should be strong and regular.

• The jugular veins will be checked on both sides of the neck to ensure they are patent (not
blocked). Any abnormal filling will be noted together with the time it takes for the

jugular to fill and distend fully when it is occluded with a finger or thumb. It is normal to
see a pulse in the jugular vein at the bottom of the neck.

• Checking that the horse is not dehydrated. In a healthy horse, a gently pinched together
fold of skin on the neck or shoulder will spring back into position immediately it is

released. If it remains elevated or ‘tented’, the horse is dehydrated.