Page 721 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

VetBooks.ir

Figure 16.2 Checking the colour of the mucous membranes

Examination of the horse’s heart

There are many reasons for examining a horse’s heart. It may be done:
• as part of an annual health check, for example with vaccination

• during an examination for purchase or insurance

• if the horse is not performing as well as expected

• prior to sedation or anaesthesia
• if cardiac or lung disease is suspected.

The horse’s heart can be examined using the following techniques:
• palpation

• listening with a stethoscope; this is known as auscultation (Figure 16.3)

• electrocardiography

• echocardiography

• exercise tolerance test.