Cardiovascular Disorders

If during routine examination with a stethoscope the referring vet detects abnormalities such as changes in cardiac rhythm or abnormal heart sounds or if the owner notices sudden deterioration of performance or weakness in their horse, further investigation of the symptoms is indicated. Further clinical signs suggesting cardiovascular problems in the horse are e.g. shortness of breath, refusal to perform or poor performance, fatigue after a short period of work, swelling on the lower chest and front limbs, distension of the jugular vein, acute muscle weakness, lethargy. At Pferdeklinik Hochmoor, further examinations are carried out using echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) and electrocardiography (ECG at rest and under exercise).