title: Medical evaluation of the cardiovascular system.
abstract: The approach to pre-purchase evaluation of the equine cardiovascular system is discussed with emphasis on cardiac auscultation and on the terminology that should be used when reporting clinical findings. Innocent cardiac murmurs and arrhythmias are contrasted with those that should be considered as reliable signs of cardiovascular disease. Ultrasonography and electrocardiography are recommended to establish baseline values for future reference, to support opinions rendered by the examining veterinarians, or to provide for diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center at Morven Park, Virginia, Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Leesburg, Virginia.
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Fregin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D006326:Heart Auscultation / Q000662:veterinary; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D006337:Heart Murmurs / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D006347:Heart Sounds; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D010173:Palpation / Q000662:veterinary; D010474:Percussion / Q000662:veterinary