Page 722 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
P. 722
VetBooks.ir
Figure 16.3 Listening to the horse’s heart with a stethoscope
PALPATION
The heartbeat can be palpated through the chest wall by placing the flat of the hand behind
the elbow. The point of maximum intensity of the heart beat is found where the heart lies in
contact with the chest wall.
AUSCULTATION
This should be carried out in a quiet environment with the horse resting and relaxed. The vet
will listen to:
• the heart rate: this is measured over a minimum of 30–60 seconds; the horse has to be
allowed to settle to the presence of the stethoscope at the start of the examination as any
anxiety or excitement will elevate the heart rate
• the heart rhythm: the vet will be listening for any missed or extra heartbeats and any
irregularities of rhythm
• the normal heart sounds (see page 481)
• any abnormalities of the above.
