Pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in normal horses.
Reference values were established for selected Doppler derived variables from a group of 40 normal Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross horses. Standard two-dimensional (2-D) images used for guiding the Doppler sampling site allowed accurate alignment with flow. Tricuspid inflow velocities during rapid filling (E) and atrial contraction (A) were significantly higher when recorded from a right parasternal angled view than from a right parasternal long-axis view. In 8 horses the tricuspid inflow peak A velocity was higher than the peak E velocity. The peak acceleration of blood flow was higher (P = 0.000) in the aorta (mean 8.01 m/s/s) than in the pulmonary artery (4.45 m/s/s). Significant differences were also noted in the pre-ejection period, ejection time and acceleration time between the 2 vessels. Horses with functional ejection murmurs had lower peak aortic acceleration and a longer acceleration time than horses without flow murmurs. Horses with filling murmurs over the left hemithorax had a significantly higher peak mitral E velocity than horses without such murmurs. Measurements from Doppler waveforms were repeatable and may prove useful in assessing ventricular function in this species.
Blissitt
K J
KJ
Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Midlothian, UK.
Bonagura
J D
JD
D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D018619:Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D006337:Heart Murmurs / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D016276:Ventricular Function